NotOnTheHighStreet have just racked up the highest selling day ever in their five year history. The 28th November, which is starting to be known in the UK as Cyber Monday, saw sales rocket but that’s nothing unusual for the site – they’re seeing growth of 280% each year.
In recognition of the success of the business founded by Holly Tucker and Sophie Cornish in 2006 they’ve also just been recognised in two of the industry’s hottest awards lists – Deloitte’s UK Technology Fast 50 which recognises companies that have achieved the fastest rates of revenue growth (2720% over the past five years for NotOnTheHighStreet) and Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 which is based strictly on financial performance.
NotOnTheHighStreet have grown from their initial seller base of 95 business to over 2000 suppliers now using the marketplace. What surprised me is that 96% of the businesses selling on NotOnTheHighStreet are run by women. That’s an astounding high percentage, but these female “kitchen table” entrepreneurs are undoubtedly helping drive the economy as well as the fortunes of NotOnTheHighStreet . Having turned over £100,000 in its first year NotOnTheHighStreet’s turnover grew to £15.1million in 2010.
Holly and Sophie are calling on the government to provide incentives such as tax reliefs and investment and say that they’re “proud to be supporting such successful small businesses and to be part of such a notable contribution to the UK economy”. They say it’s time to start reducing the barriers for home entrepreneurs to help drive the economy.
In the mean time I’d say it’s time we chaps start to compete with the ladies and reduce that 96% somewhat. There must be some of us guys out there that can give the ladies a run for their money and supply charming, unique and carefully-made products that make fantastic unique and creative gifts.
NotOnTheHighStreet will be getting a few more pennies through the door soon, I’m going to have to start my Christmas shopping soon and they’ll be my first port of call for my dear nephew and others that are deserving of something special to open on Christmas Day.
