TikTok launches SME Council to empower UK entrepreneurs

In early April 2025, TikTok initiated an SME Council aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the United Kingdom. The launch event took place on April 4 at Stoke-on-Trent town hall, where a diverse group of 20 businesses gathered to discuss their experiences with the platform. This council was organized to provide a voice for the 1.5 million SMEs using TikTok to raise awareness and drive sales, moving beyond traditional business networks. The participating companies came from various sectors, reflecting the broad spectrum of entrepreneurs utilizing TikTok's capabilities for business growth. The motivation behind establishing the SME Council stems from TikTok's recognition of the importance of digital platforms in enhancing business visibility and engagement. Louise Rogerson, chief clinical officer at Levitex, highlighted that the council’s gathering felt more modern and welcoming compared to conventional business meetings. This reflects TikTok’s strategy to cultivate a community among businesses that aligns better with the contemporary landscape of social media and digital marketing. The council aims not only to assist the participating companies but also to contribute to a manifesto that will be presented to the UK government in the autumn of 2025. This initiative signifies a shift in how large social media platforms are engaging with local businesses and seeking to create impactful dialogues about the future of commerce in a digital-first world. The manifesto is expected to address key issues that SMEs face in adapting to the rapidly evolving digital economy and provide recommendations on how governmental policies can better support them. By creating this council, TikTok establishes itself as a significant player in the business support landscape, potentially shifting the dynamics from traditional chambers of commerce to a more interactive and contemporary approach to entrepreneurship. With the increasing influence of social media in business operations, TikTok's action could inspire other platforms to take similar initiatives, ultimately fostering a more conducive environment for small businesses in the UK and beyond.