Family-run Scottish DIY store crowned Britain's Best Small Business
The store's witty Scots name impressed the public and judging panel
A family-run DIY shop in Dunoon has nailed it, quite literally, by being crowned Britain's Best Small Business Name for 2025.
Dae It Yersel, a well-loved fixture in the Argyll town, saw off competition from more than 2,000 other small businesses across the UK to win the coveted title, along with a £2,500 cash prize from small business insurer Simply Business.
The name, a playful Scots take on Do It Yourself, clearly struck a chord with the public and judging panel, which included entrepreneur and The Apprentice winner Harpreet Kaur.
From landscaping company Back to the Fuchsia and restaurant Balti Towers to pub The Nobody Inn and food truck Pietanic, the competition was stacked with witty entries that showcased the creativity of Britain's entrepreneurs.
Helena McLay, co-owner of Dae It Yersel, said the win means a great deal to her family. 'Dae It Yersel has been family-owned since my mother, father and then-20-year-old brother took over a tiny wee DIY shop in 1970,' she said.
'I've been around the shop since I was 3, and used to spend my after-school hours and school holidays here.'
Helena, who now runs the business alongside her nephew, added: 'The name is obviously the Glaswegian or Scots version of 'Do It Yourself'. For both myself and my nephew... the shop has always been a part of our lives, it is the heart and soul of the family.
"There have been many tough times, from losing my mum, dad, and brother to COVID, but there are far more rewarding times and lifelong friendships that have arisen from our years in Dae It Yersel. We couldn't be more delighted to have won.'
She also shared a charming anecdote: 'We often get people standing across the road taking photos of the shop name, and the furthest travelled pic was sent to us by someone who had visited Dunoon from New Zealand and sent their photo into a magazine with the heading 'How's this for getting the message over to the locals'.'
The business name contest, now in its latest edition, celebrates the originality and spirit of the UK's small business community.
Simply Business also commissioned research which revealed that 51 percent of shoppers are more likely to support a business if its name makes them smile.
Julie Fisher, UK CEO of Simply Business, praised the result: 'It's clear from the voting that Dae It Yersel are a hugely popular small business in their local community.
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We hope this recognition brings added positive attention for the business, and that our £2,500 cash prize helps them celebrate during what is a challenging period for many SMEs.'
Harpreet Kaur, who helped judge the entries, added: 'It was so heartening to see the character woven into every single small business name we judged, reflecting the passion and dedication of the thousands of entrepreneurs who entered.
"Dae It Yersel should be incredibly proud to have won the public vote; it's a testament to their unique appeal and the genuine connection they've built with their local community.'
Helena has no doubt how the family will mark the occasion: 'I'll have to bake a cake to celebrate! We'll definitely have to have a BBQ with our staff to thank them for being a part of the business.'
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