VML UK Turns the Nation's Small Business Owners Into Heroic Statues for HSBC UK

Sep. 21, 2026

VML UK and HSBC UK have today released ‘Proud to Support Small Businesses’, a new national campaign championing the hard work and economic contributions of the UK’s small businesses and their respective owners.

Created by VML UK for the brand, the integrated creative is a celebration of the real owners of ten of the nation’s businesses from across the country. Presenting each business owner like statues in heroic poses.

The owners spotlighted were all winners in HSBC UK’s first Small Business Growth Awards, which took place in June in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). This includes Mancunian natural fizzy drinks brand Hip Pop, Leicester-based food-to-go brand Jake & Nayns, and Welsh prosthetics design and manufacturing studio Limb-art, amongst others. As well as being recognised in this campaign, each finalist has been offered a one-to-one mentorship opportunity with Dragon’s Den panellist and renowned businesswoman Sara Davies.

The campaign, “proud to support small businesses”, is a build on last year’s activity which cemented the leading banking brand’s commitment to providing resources, tools and advice to small businesses, this time going into the heart of their businesses. The campaign’s success was followed by the launch of this year's Small Business Growth Awards, an extension to HSBC’s Small Business Growth Programme, which offers free digital training, events and insight for startups and small businesses.

The integrated work will run nationally across OOH, DOOH, audio, print and social media, as well as featuring across the bank’s branch network. Media has been handled by OMG.

Kathryn Taylor, Head of Marketing, Commercial Banking HSBC UK said:

“SME’s play such a vital role in our communities, our country couldn’t run without them. That’s why we wanted to put small business owners on a pedestal, giving them the recognition they deserve, while offering real, tangible support to help them grow and stay resilient to future headwinds.” 

 

San Sharma, Creative Director at VML said: 

“Starting, running, and growing a business takes so much risk and sacrifice and is certainly not for the faint hearted. These companies contribute so much to communities and the economy, so we’re immensely proud to support HSBC UK in its mission to put founders in the spotlight.”