AN Ilkley business has just been named among the 100 independent small businesses in the UK to be championed by Small Business Saturday.

This year's campaign culminates on December 2 with a day dedicated to celebrating the countries millions of small businesses which will offer the local community an opportunity to get involved.

Now in its fifth year in the UK, Small Business Saturday, the country’s most successful business campaign, will promote one independent business online and across social media per day in the 100 day run up to the annual event.

Ilkley based business William and Tilda, specialise in vintage fashion for the modern bridesmaid. Designs are inspired by the past, looking to garments from the 40s and 50s for inspiration. Their focus is creating beautifully crafted pieces that capture the look and feel of the period updated to meet the needs of the modern bridesmaid. All garments are made to measure, featuring basic vintage construction techniques and a high level of hand finished detailing. Tucked away in a workroom in the heart of Ilkley, William and Tilda places a strong sense of family history at its core.

Techniques handed down by grandparents; and exquisite button collection belonging to a great grandmother; a family owned vintage pattern collection and some hilarious knitting books from the 40’s. These, combined with invaluable industry experience gained from the founders godmother, a couture seamstress; and a lifetime spent sewing, including over fifteen years working in the costume departments of various television companies, all combine to influence the William and Tilda style.

The companies founder, Becky Davies-Downes said: “ We’re thrilled to be included in the list of amazing businesses, its a great opportunity to help promote what we do. As a new business its also invaluable to have the support and experience of both the Small Business Saturday Team and the other 100 businesses.”

Michelle Ovens, director of Small Business Saturday, said: “[The campaign] has really captured the hearts of communities and it gains in traction year on year. This is not just because it’s a nice message, but because everyone gains from it: small businesses are getting new customers and revenues, customers are meeting new businesses that offer great service, great value and [are run by] local people who know your name when you walk through the door. It is not altruism – communities and the economy benefit when small businesses are better supported.

“[Each year], we look for businesses that represent the best in British business. We look for geographical spread – from the north of Scotland, to the tip of Cornwall. We look for a range of business models, including high street and digital.”

As well as the promotion of the winning 100 on the Small Business Saturday social media feeds, many of the businesses from previous years have since worked together, or kept in touch through the network.