We have said it once and we will say it again, small businesses are the pillar of our economy, so we need to do all we can to support them, now more than ever.
But it seems more often than not we hear of small businesses ideas being stolen by the big brands (with an addition profit added on top!), and it makes us question; are big brands doing enough to support small, local businesses that in turn support our economy?
For example, earlier this year Marks and Spencer (M&S) came under the firing line in the press after it was accused of copying and selling their own version of Somerset small business ‘Choc on Chocs’ valentines chocolate product. Something that seems so small for the UK wide business M&S could have been catastrophic for small business Choc on Choc.
But it seems like it isn’t just big businesses that do this to small businesses, after we all witnessed the storm of Aldi creating ‘Cuthbert’ the chocolate caterpillar cake, a duplicate version of M&S’s classic ‘Colin’ cake earlier this year.
The copycat cake spat made headlines after Marks & Spencer started legal action against Aldi to “protect” Colin from Cuthbert who, for a smaller fee, had been masquerading as Colin on the party circuit.
The legal battle went on for months and it begs the question: If this happens to a small business, are they in a financial position to take on big companies? Should small businesses have to defend their creative and unique products?
As Oscar Wilde is often quoted, “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”, but in this scenario, it can be damaging. We would love to know your thoughts on this! Head to our social media platforms to join in the conversation!
If you are a small business in need of support, we can offer an array of services, from business planning to business administration services, we are more than happy to help.
*Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/jun/01/aldi-cuthbert-caterpillar-back-spring-step-colin
If you would like any guidence on how to move your business forward, G&G has the necessary skillset to help you manage your business more efficiently and more profitably. if you would like some assistance, please dont hesitate to contact us.
From business planning or Business Administration to assisting with your organisations growth, we are happy to advise and help where we can. Get in touch to start your no-obligation consultation!
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