WOULD you shop for sewing goods at It Started With a Stich? Or how about purchasing your pooch treats at For Paws Truly?

The unusual titles are among those on the shortlist for the UK’s Funniest Small Business Name competition, run by insurance provider, Simply Business.

The poll was launched to celebrate the wit, creativity, and humour of the nation’s small business owners, the firm said.

Last year, Perky Blenders – a London-based specialty coffee roasters – beat more than 2,000 other punny-named small businesses to be presented with the hotly-contested accolade.

The UK public can now vote for their favourite small business name at www.simplybusiness.co.uk/you-name-it-we-insure-it.

Voting closes on March 8 and the winner of the £2,500 prize will be announced the following week.

The full 2023 shortlist is:

It Started With a Stitch – Grimsby – Craft and embroidery specialist

For Paws Truly – Portsmouth – Natural dog treats

Top Of The Clops – Wellington – Online equestrian store

Up The Garden Bath – Huntingdon – Upcycling unwanted waste materials to garden planters

Eggucation – Sheffield – Ethical school chick hatching projects

Leaky finders Ltd – Brixham – Locomotive engineers

Herstorical Tours – Crystal Palace – Theatrical walking tours of London where women’s history is brought to life

Sweeping Beauty – Paisley, Scotland – Cleaning services

Grout of This World – Suffolk – Tiler

Pipe Down – Norwich – Heating and plumbing specialists

A recent Simply Business survey of 2,000 consumers revealed a witty or funny business name can play a big part in helping small businesses succeed, with one third (28%) of people stating they’d be more likely to shop at a small or local business with a funny or witty business name compared to those without.

Two thirds (64%) of people would also be more likely to notice a small or local business with a funny or witty business name.

Alan Thomas, UK CEO at Simply Business, said: “The impact that a memorable name can have on your business is incredible – our research showed that people really warm to small businesses who have shown their personality through an imaginative name.

“With close to six million small businesses across the UK, small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities and collectively provide trillions of pounds to the UK economy.

“We’re really excited that, with the relaunch of our ‘You Name It. We Insure It’ campaign, we can give a cash boost to a UK SME, and celebrate the creativity of small businesses across the UK.”

* Do you know of any pun-tastic business names? Drop us an email to newsdesk@blackmorevale.net