Why it's Great to be Small

The Great Big Small Business Awards is back, and this time it isn't alone...Events dedicated to small businesses are taking over a whole week!

Running a business is one of the most rewarding yet challenging ventures that a person can embark on. It is something we understand all too well. Not only do we support business owners in the workplace with their company’s mental health policies and practices, but Fortis is a small business too.

One that cares deeply about the service it provides its clients, is responsible for a team of hard-working, highly skilled therapists, and is passionate about driving ethics and standards within the industry.

Highs and lows of small business

Among the fulfilling highs, there are demanding lows, and sometimes being the boss, the person who is ultimately accountable, can feel like the loneliest of roles. This is something that the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) found in a recent survey, where 500 small businesses were asked about their mental health. The research says that:

• 96% admitted to keeping the stress of running a business ‘bottled up’
• 71% pretend to family and friends that everything is OK
• 63% admit to de-prioritising mental health in the name of financial success
• 56% felt they needed help with their mental health, but don’t know where to start
• 68% felt like they had nobody to talk to
• Of that 68%, 43% claimed it was because nobody understood the pressures of having a business

These are worrying statistics to say the least because small businesses are absolutely vital to the wellbeing and prosperity of our local communities. They create jobs, are a support system to fellow entrepreneurs, drive innovation and healthy competition, and offer services and products that, sometimes, the big boys just can’t. The contributions that independent business owners make, whether a sole trader or a growing enterprise with hundreds of employees, are immense.

This is why it is important to reward entrepreneurs, to recognise their support for one another, their ability to provide a variety of careers, and their kindness in giving back to the local community - while supporting themselves and their families. Sometimes, the curve balls and pressures can seem all consuming, but by having dedicated time and space to get together, to communicate and collaborate, and to shine a well-deserved spotlight, owners and managers can reflect on their achievements and share their experiences with peers who may just be going through something similar.

The Great Big Small Business Festival

We are extremely excited to be a part of the Great Big Small Business Festival, coming to Northern Lincolnshire between 30th September and 7th October. This event is the biggest of its kind, presented by our good friends at E-Factor, who have continually supported and actively encouraged Fortis’ business growth over the years. Now, we are proud to return the favour and get behind their latest venture whilst getting to know the businesses in our community that little bit better.

The aim is simple; to celebrate the strength, diversity, and growth of businesses across the south bank of the Humber. Throughout the week, business people can hear from renowned motivational speakers, take part in workshops and masterclasses, see displays of innovation and upcoming opportunities, and network.

Tuesday 4th October will see the return of the annual exhibition, Business Hive Live, where we will be heading with a spring in our step and our brand new stand - which was a bit of a hit at The Emergency Services Show at The NEC earlier in September!

Drawing the festival week to a close on Friday 7th October is the Great Big Small Awards, a glittering ceremony to recognise and reward the hard work and tenacity of the local business community, and we are especially proud to be the headline sponsor.

The Great Big Small Awards North East Lincolnshire

For the second year, Fortis will be sponsoring the Great Big Small Awards, which highlights businesses and the people behind them. For one night only, Grimsby Town Hall will once again be filled with some of the area’s most ambitious, dedicated business people. Following fine food and drink and the excitement of the awards ceremony is an evening filled with music and dancing. This is truly a night to remember for all who attend - or struggle to remember depending on how hard you hit the bar.

And let’s face it, an eagerly anticipated, show-stopping evening of celebrations is one of the most entertaining ways to support the people of our local business community. By giving business owners a well-deserved night off, a reason to get together, to reflect on all they have achieved despite the challenges that have come their way, we can say thank you and show that running a company doesn’t have to be a lonely place at all.

Find out more about the Great Big Small Business Festival here.