Latest news with #DoItYourself
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
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. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 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.'
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Family-owned Bradford business is marking its 30th anniversary
A BRADFORD company is celebrating a major milestone today. Family-owned business Do It Yourself is marking its 30th anniversary. The company was established in 1995 by four brothers with a shared vision and a passion for home improvement. It began life on Killinghall Road, where its original flagship store still proudly stands today. What began as a humble DIY supply shop has blossomed into a thriving business with big ambitions for the future. Over the past three decades, Do It Yourself has steadily expanded its footprint across Bradford. The company now boasts four branches in different parts of the city - its Killinghall Road spot, plus Pawson Street in Laisterdyke, Wrose Road, Wrose, and Manchester Road. The original store has also undergone significant development, now housing a fully-fledged bathroom centre as well as a plumbing and heating department, all while maintaining its wide range of DIY products. The business remains a family affair, with each of the four founding brothers now managing their own branches. Company director, Mohammed Saraj said that the "close involvement and commitment have been central to the business's continued success and community presence". He said the connection with customers "makes our services bespoke". Despite facing challenges over the years, Do It Yourself has managed to weather difficult periods, including the Covid-19 pandemic five years ago. Mohammed spoke of how the business thrived and, at one point, was receiving more than 1,000 online orders per day. He said: 'Unlike those around us, Covid was actually a positive period. 'We were classed as an essential business and allowed to continue trading throughout the lockdowns. If anything, it gave our business a tremendous boost. "We even started operating outside of regular hours to fulfil over 1,000 eBay orders a day.' While the retail industry has changed significantly over the last 30 years, the company's core values have remained the same, with a focus on providing a personal service to every customer. Mohammed said "deep technical know-how and personal care" is delivered to every customer, something he says "larger chain competitors just can't match". Looking to the future, Mohammed hopes to see the business grow digitally, so it can reach people nationwide. He said: 'We want to expand our current e-commerce site to provide a service nationally.' To celebrate the 30th anniversary, the company is offering special limited-time discounts across its branches.
