We’ve been named one of the UK’s 100 most inspiring small businesses

I’m so delighted to share some exciting news.

The Hub Newry has been named one of the UK’s 100 most inspiring small businesses for 2025 by the Small Business Saturday campaign.

When Patrick and I opened The Hub in 2012, our aim was simple: to create a place where people could work without feeling isolated.

Since then, it has grown into something much bigger.

Today, The Hub is a supportive home for freelancers, micro business leaders, remote corporate teams and small organisations who want to thrive without burning out.

Being included in the SmallBiz100 isn’t just about recognition.

It’s about shining a light on the wider ecosystem of small businesses and independent coworking hubs who are doing this work every single day.

 

Why This Recognition Matters

Being part of the SmallBiz100 gives me the chance to highlight what often goes unnoticed.

The quiet, consistent work that makes it possible for entrepreneurs, micro businesses and creatives to thrive.

It’s the same heartfelt work carried out by independent coworking spaces and local business owners everywhere.

Often with very small teams, sometimes on their own.

They’re the ones holding space, building connections, and adapting constantly to what their communities need.

This recognition shines a light on all of that unseen effort.

As I shared when the news was announced:

“At The Hub Newry we champion local, neighbourhood and independent coworking spaces that quietly create the foundations for entrepreneurship, micro businesses, and creatives to thrive. Being named one of this year’s SmallBiz100 is a real honour and a chance to shine a light on the incredible role these workspaces play in building resilient communities.”

 

 

The Impact of Alliances & Partnerships

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is this.

No small business and no independent coworking hub can thrive in isolation.

The support of the wider coworking movement has been a lifeline.

Through alliances like Coworking Europe, the European Coworking Assembly, and the London Coworking Assembly, I’ve connected with fellow operators who share the same values and challenges.

Together, we’ve shared ideas, built resilience and we’ve created environments that enable people to do their best work.

 

Coaching, Mentoring & Lived Experience

Our journey has always been about more than running a physical space.

For me, it’s about people, nurturing community and supporting the individuals behind the businesses.

As a certified coach-mentor and EMCC member, I now work with micro business leaders and neighbourhood coworking operators who are often carrying a lot.

Many times, they’re carrying the same invisible load I’ve felt myself.

My passion for this grew from lived experience.

I know what it’s like to run a micro business, to face the ups and downs, and to learn how to build resilience along the way.

That’s why my coaching and mentoring today is focused on helping leaders and operators build clarity, confidence and sustainable ways of working.

Because thriving in business isn’t only about numbers.

It’s about energy, the care and it’s about the real people behind the work.

A Campaign That Counts

Small Business Saturday is about much more than one day of “shopping local.” It’s about celebrating the role of small businesses across the UK and the communities they support.

This year’s campaign takes place on 6 December 2025. I’ll be celebrating not just our recognition, but all the small businesses here in Newry, across Northern Ireland, and right across the UK who make our communities vibrant, resilient and creative.

The Hub Newry will be profiled by the campaign on 9 October 2025 as part of the 100-day countdown.

 

 

Read More of My Reflections

I’ve shared a more personal piece about what this recognition means to me — and why it belongs to our whole community — over on Substack.

👉 Read: Why This SmallBiz100 Recognition Belongs to Our Whole Community

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

This recognition has reminded me how much small businesses quietly carry and how powerful our communities can be when we come together.

💭 I’d love to hear your thoughts:

• What does being part of a small business mean to you right now?
• Who or what has supported you most in your journey?
• How do you find ways to keep going when the invisible load feels heavy?

Share your reflections in the comments below or drop me a message. I’d love to include some of your stories in the run-up to Small Business Saturday.

 

 

Ready to Connect?

If you’re a freelancer, micro business leader or small team looking for a supportive space to work — or if you’d like to explore coaching and mentoring support — I’d love to connect. These human-first conversations are where the real insights happen.

👉 Book a free discovery call here

👉 Or read more of my articles here

 

Always with heart,

 

Suzanne Murdock 💛

Coach for Micro Business Leaders & Neighbourhood Coworking Operators | Co-Founder, The Hub Newry