Stalybridge company Dotty about top 100 nod

STALYBRIDGE is officially home to one of the UK’s 100 most impressive small firms, one that helps blind people celebrate.

Dotty About Braille is making waves after setting up as an online business specialising in braille greetings cards.

And just four months after being formed by Hayley Kellard, who lives on Gledhall Street, it is already among the country’s finest after being chosen as part of this year’s SmallBiz100 line-up, which showcases a line-up of 100 of the most inspiring independent businesses.

It has also attracted TV coverage she appeared on Channel 4’s Steph’s Packed Lunch, in a feature focusing on disabled entrepreneurs and the challenges they face.

Hayley said: “I was over the moon to be selected for Small Biz 100.

“I started this business because I wanted to make greetings cards accessible to blind people and to give them a similar choice and experience that sighted people have.

“By having the support of a huge campaign like Small Business Saturday, I’m so happy more people will hear about the business and know they have the option to purchase a personalised braille greetings card.

“I’ve received a huge amount of support since launching the business in May, from big names such as Theo Paphitis and of course being invited on to Steph’s Packed Lunch to showcase my braille cards.”

Dotty About Braille was profiled on September 20 as part of the 100-day countdown to Small Business Saturday UK, which takes place on December 2.

Customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, from independent boutiques and eateries to small service and b2b based businesses like wholesalers and digital marketers.

Over the time the campaign has run in the UK, it has engaged millions of people each year and seen billions of pounds spent with small businesses.

And Michelle Ovens CBE, director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: “It was fantastic to celebrate Dotty About Braille as part of this year’s campaign.

“The impressive small businesses featured in this year’s SmallBiz100 sum up the phenomenal contribution that small firms make to our economy and local communities.”