TikTok has launched an SME council for small businesses in the UK using its platform to reach customers or sell products.

The social media platform said the council aims to amplify the voices of entrepreneurs to policymakers and help them shape policies that boost growth.

The SME Council is made up of 20 SMEs which TikTok said are among a growing number of businesses using its platform to engage new customers and sell their products.

Beyond simple transactions, TikTok said that they are using services such as LIVE Shopping via TikTok Shop and selling via shoppable ads, as well as taking people behind-the-scenes of running a business through organic content.

The council held its first meeting earlier this month, with members sharing their experiences of running businesses in the UK and using TikTok to boost their growth.

The social media company added that the council will provide valuable insights and learnings to help shape TikTok's first TikTok SME Manifesto. This will contain a set of proactive requests to policymakers with the aim of boosting SME growth, developing skills and encouraging entrepreneurship.

According to research from Neilson IQ, TikTok saw an increase in the number of shoppers by 131 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year, with a 180 per cent rise in revenue. Over 6,000 TikTok Shop LIVEs are hosted in the UK each day.

"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,” said Ali Law, director of public policy and government affairs at TikTok UK said. “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."

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