Skills swapping website celebrates reaching 1,000 members

The UK Swap Shop – which was founded by Ask the Chameleon, HUUB and think3 is celebrating reaching over 1,000 members.

Originally known as The Derby Swap Shop, the business is a free-to-use interactive business skills swapping site for small and micro businesses.

The idea came out of a Marketing Derby Talking Business Live webinar back in April, 2020.

Tracy Harrison, from the charity Safe and Sound, suggested the idea of somewhere businesses and organisations could ‘swap’ goods and services.

The idea was subsequently developed by bid-writing consultancy Ask the Chameleon, triathlon kit specialist HUUB and creative design agency think3.

The business, which was Marketing Derby’s Rising Star last year, is run totally for free and funded by the trio.

Initially launched as The Derby Swap Shop, it has proven a big success, expanding into other geographical areas before going national and rebranding to The UK Swap Shop.

Since its launch, at least 350 swaps have been posted, including headshots for SEO advice, accountancy guidance in return for TikTok videos – anything that the small business owners can offer to help their business to survive and thrive.

The platform reached 1,000 members when Devon-based goldsmith and artist jeweller Isabella Day joined the community, offering a jewellery experience day or wedding ring day.

She said “I found the Swap Shop through the f:entrepreneur campaign, as I had recently become one of their #ialso2022 winners.

“I joined Swap Shop because I love the idea of skill swapping and I do it a lot with people. It’s nice to connect with other businesses that feel the same.”

Rachel Hayward, one of Swap Shop’s co-founders who runs Ask the Chameleon, said “We are so delighted to welcome Isabella to our Swap Shop family, not only celebrating her as our 1,000th member, but also to help her business grow through new connections and swapping.

“Swap Shop has been our business-grown response to our survival through Covid and we have clearly captured the imaginations of so many businessowners keen to support one another.”