LONDON, UK — TikTok has launched its first Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Council in the UK, aiming to boost growth and visibility for small businesses, particularly in the hair, beauty, and wellness sectors.
The newly formed council consists of around 20 entrepreneurs from across the UK and is intended to amplify the voices of small businesses in policy discussions. Among the founding members are Birmingham-based wig company Hair Anatomy and Manchester’s sleep and wellness brand Levitex.
The group convened for its first meeting this month and is set to develop a TikTok SME Manifesto. The document will outline key policy proposals for the UK government, with the goal of accelerating business growth, enhancing digital skills, and encouraging entrepreneurship across industries.
“TikTok gives small businesses the opportunity to be discovered by new communities, the creative tools to engage authentically and, ultimately, the chance to put their products in the hands of an ever-growing number of UK consumers,” said Ali Law, Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs at TikTok UK.
“By launching our new SME Council, we are taking our support of these businesses beyond the TikTok app, giving them a platform to call for policies that will unlock the next phase of their growth,” Law added.
Other council members include natural skincare company Solo Skin London, dog supplement and grooming brand Herbal Dog Co, and hair extension expert Kerry-Ann Buckell.
The initiative comes amid rapid growth for TikTok Shop, which was named the fastest-growing retailer of 2024 by market research firm NielsenIQ. In the UK alone, TikTok Shop saw a 131% increase in shoppers year-over-year and a 180% rise in revenue.
TikTok currently hosts over 6,000 live shopping sessions daily in the UK and has recently expanded its shopping feature to three additional European markets: France, Germany, and Italy.
The British Beauty Council, which recently welcomed Cosmetics Business and Pure Beauty as patrons, is collaborating with TikTok Shop on a series of educational programmes. These events are designed to help beauty and wellness brands maximise the platform’s tools to drive visibility and sales.
Related topics:
- Wes Welker Undergoes Hair Restoration Procedure Ahead of NFL Season
- Hairdresser Uses Bottled Water to Keep Salon Open Amid Water Outage
- Yankees Revise Longstanding Facial Hair Policy, Now Allowing Beards
