Celebrating UK Small Business Week: Why We’re Backing Our Local Heroes
Between the 1st and 7th of June 2026, something significant is happening across the United Kingdom. It isn't a corporate sales drive or a flash-in-the-pan marketing campaign. It is UK Small Business Week, a dedicated time to celebrate the independent shops, the local garages, and the service providers that keep our economy moving.
At That Card Machine Guy, we aren't just observers of this event. We are active participants. Why? Because small businesses are the real heroes of the UK economy. They account for 99% of all businesses in this country. They provide the majority of private-sector jobs and, perhaps more importantly, they give our communities their unique character.
I’m Ben Buey, and I’ve spent over 20 years working alongside small business owners: particularly within the Motor Trade. I know exactly how hard you work. I also know how frustrating it is when the "big players" in financial services treat you like a number rather than a partner. This week is about changing that narrative and putting the spotlight back where it belongs: on you.
Small Businesses: The Backbone of the UK
Small businesses are often described as the "backbone" of the economy, but that phrase is used so often it’s easy to lose sight of what it actually means. In practical terms, it means that if the local baker, the independent mechanic, or the high-street florist disappears, the local economy doesn't just slow down: it fractures.
Small businesses reinvest a much higher proportion of their revenue back into the local area compared to multinational corporations. When you support a local business, you aren't helping a CEO buy a third holiday home; you’re helping a family pay for ballet lessons or supporting a local football team's kit.
The Challenges You Face Daily
Despite being "heroes," small business owners face a unique set of hurdles:
Rising Operational Costs: From energy bills to business rates, the pressure is constant.
Complex Financial Jargon: Big banks love to hide their true costs behind layers of complicated terminology.
Time Constraints: Most owners wear ten different hats. You are the CEO, the HR department, the cleaner, and the lead technician.
This is why UK Small Business Week, backed by the Entrepreneurs Circle, is so vital. It’s a moment to pause, recognise these contributions, and encourage everyone to "think small" first.
My Commitment: Direct, Honest Support
I started That Card Machine Guy with a very simple goal: to provide straightforward advice without the high-pressure sales tactics that plague the merchant services industry.
If you accept card payments, you’ve likely been cold-called by dozens of companies promising the world. Usually, these promises are wrapped in a contract that’s impossible to leave and fees that slowly creep up after six months.
I don't operate like that. My approach is built on a few core principles:
✔ Transparency First: If I look at your current statement and see you’re already on a great deal, I will tell you exactly that. I won't try to "fix" what isn't broken.
✔ Sector Expertise: With two decades in the Motor Trade, I understand the specific needs of garages and dealerships: from large transaction values to the need for mobile terminals on the forecourt.
✔ Local Focus: I prefer a coffee and a chat over a faceless Zoom call. I’m here to build long-term relationships, not hit a monthly sales quota.
The Problem: "Lazy Tax" and Hidden Fees
Many businesses stay with their current provider simply because they don't have the time to go through the data. They pay what I call the "lazy tax." This is when your provider increases your rates because they know you aren't looking.
If your current equipment is slow, unreliable, or expensive, then it is time for a review.
I offer a no-obligation merchant statement analysis. You send me a recent statement, and I pull it apart to find the hidden costs. If there are savings to be made, I’ll show you exactly where they are. If not, you’ve at least gained the peace of mind that you aren't being overcharged.
Why Dojo is the Choice for Small Businesses
When I look for a solution for my clients, I look for speed, reliability, and ease of use. That is why I provide and set up the full range of Dojo card machines.
Dojo has changed the game for independent businesses by addressing the three biggest frustrations: waiting for money, slow hardware, and terrible support.
Key Benefits of Dojo:
Next-Day Settlements: Cash flow is king. Dojo settles your funds from the previous day’s trading the following day.
Lighting Fast Hardware: No more awkward silences at the till while you wait for a terminal to "handshake" with the bank.
Mobile Connectivity: Every Dojo Go comes with a built-in SIM card, so if your shop Wi-Fi goes down, you can still take payments.
The Dojo App: Manage everything from your phone. See transactions in real-time and even send payment links directly to customers.
Useful for:
Retailers who need to keep queues moving quickly during busy periods.
Hospitality venues that need reliable terminals for table-side payments.
Service providers who want to send professional payment links via SMS or email for invoices.
More Than Just a Transaction
During UK Small Business Week, we want to highlight that every transaction is more than just money changing hands. It is a vote of confidence in a local entrepreneur.
I’ve seen firsthand how the right payment solution can transform a business. Take my recent work with Jim Reid Vehicle Sales. By reviewing their merchant fees and moving them to a more efficient system, we managed to save them £4,000 a year. That is money that goes straight back into their bottom line, potentially funding a new hire or a new marketing campaign.
I’ve also recently received some fantastic feedback from Malcolm, who wanted to make sure the product lived up to the hype before leaving a review. He said:
> "Absolutely thrilled with Ben and his company... Great looking device that is easy to use, superb app on your phone... and maybe slightly more important than all of this is the fact its saving me money ;-)"
This is why I do what I do. It isn't about the hardware; it’s about the financial outcome and the personal service that follows.
How You Can Get Involved in UK Small Business Week
Whether you’re a business owner or a consumer, there are plenty of ways to support the "real heroes" between June 1st and June 7th:
Register Your Business: If you haven’t already, head over to the Entrepreneurs Circle SBW page to get your business on the map.
Support Local: Make a conscious effort to shop at three independent businesses you haven't visited before.
Spread the Word: Leave a Google review for your favourite local spot (like Malcolm did for me!). It takes two minutes but makes a massive difference to their search rankings.
Review Your Overheads: Use this week as an opportunity to tidy up your own business finances. Are you paying too much for your merchant services?
Ideal for:
Independent Motor Dealers who want to keep more of their margins on every vehicle sold.
Local High Street Retailers looking to modernise their point-of-sale experience.
Dental Practices and Service Providers who require secure, professional payment handling.
A Final Word of Encouragement
UK Small Business Week is a celebration, but the support shouldn't stop on June 8th. Small businesses work 52 weeks a year, and they deserve consistent, honest advice from their suppliers.
If you are a business owner who feels like you’re being left behind by your current payment provider: or if you just want a second pair of eyes on your merchant statement: reach out. There is no unnecessary pressure, no sales scripts, and no nonsense. Just a local guy helping local businesses save money and move faster.
Let’s make UK Small Business Week 2026 the biggest one yet.
Ready to see if you can save? Contact me today for a straightforward, no-obligation audit of your current fees.