TikTok has launched its first ever SME Council in the UK, aiming to amplify the voices of small businesses on the platform and influence policies that support entrepreneurship and economic growth.

The newly formed council consists of 20 small businesses from across the UK, each of which actively uses TikTok to connect with customers and drive sales in innovative ways. From showcasing behind-the-scenes content to livestreaming product demonstrations through TikTok Shop, these businesses represent a growing movement of entrepreneurs turning to the platform as a vital sales and storytelling tool.

The SME Council held its first official meeting on April 4 in Stoke-on-Trent. During the session, members shared their personal experiences of growing a business in the UK and explained how TikTok has played a key role in that journey.

In addition to advising on policy, the Council will play a crucial role in shaping TikTok’s first-ever SME Manifesto- a set of actionable proposals for policymakers designed to help small businesses scale, gain skills, and foster innovation.

The app now hosts more than 1.5 million UK-based firms, ranging from side hustles and family-run shops to high-growth startups that use TikTok to engage new audiences.

The Council’s launch comes on the heels of new data from Nielsen IQ, which found that TikTok Shop was the fastest-growing online retailer in 2024. The platform saw a 131% annual rise in shopper numbers and a 180% year-on-year increase in revenue. More than 6,000 TikTok Shop LIVE sessions now take place in the UK each day.

Ali Law, Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs at TikTok UK, said: “TikTok gives small businesses the opportunity to be discovered by new communities, the creative tools to engage authentically and, ultimately, the chance to put their products in the hands of an ever-growing number of UK consumers. It’s why SMEs across the country come to TikTok every day to share their passions, reach new customers and grow their businesses. By launching our new SME Council, we’re taking our support of these businesses beyond the TikTok app, giving them a platform to call for policies that will unlock the next phase of their growth.”

Dominique Bogle Khan, founder of Hair Anatomy, added: “TikTok has truly transformed our business. It’s given small brands like ours the chance to not only showcase our products but also build genuine connections with our community. Being part of the SME Council is such an incredible opportunity — we’re all at different stages in our journey, and it’s inspiring to learn from one another, share insights, and support fellow entrepreneurs. I’m excited to see how the council evolves and continues to shape the future of small business growth.”

James Leinhardt, founder and sleep posture expert at Levitex, also shared: “With over 500m views of our content on TikTok, Levitex is quickly becoming a leading voice in educating the world on the significance of sleep, and demonstrating in real-time how our innovation can improve it. As a brand that offers a fairly high ticket, considered purchase, we have a unique strategy that focuses on educating the consumer first. TikTok has allowed us to do that, and as an early adopter of TikTok Shop, we’re proud to share our experiences and be a part of the future growth of the platform, while continuing to build our channel.”