Press Release | 18 Jul 2024

Vodafone Business and Steven Bartlett support South London fashion boutique

In the third episode of Digital SOS from Vodafone Business, ‘Diary of a CEO’ host Steven Bartlett helps the owners of D.A.Y, a small fashion boutique based in Peckham, to grow their online sales.

  • Vodafone Business has developed the documentary series to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) better embrace digital technology and supercharge their businesses, with the help of resources available on the Vodafone V-Hub.
  • The Vodafone Business V-Hub is a free online support service that provides expert guidance, knowledge, tools and training. SMEs can discover how to take the next step on their digital journeys by talking to a team of Vodafone Business V-Hub Business Advisers.
  • Digital SOS Episode 3 is available now.

The owners of a South East London fashion boutique is the subject of the third episode of Vodafone Business’ Digital SOS documentary series, aimed at helping SMEs increase their business online through the vast array of free resources available on the V-Hub website.

Sisters Disha, Apee and Yukti are the owners of D.A.Y., a small fashion boutique based in Peckham, South East London, where they were excited to welcome Vodafone Business Ambassador, Steven Bartlett, to help them overcome some of the challenges they face online.

Founded in 2018, D.A.Y was developed from the siblings’ passion for independent retail, community and under-the-radar brands. The sisters, who each have a background in marketing and fashion, come from an entrepreneurial family, with their parents having run their own business for more than 40 years.

As SMEs adopt digital technology, a common challenge is navigating the e-commerce world and developing a steady drumbeat of sales online. UK consumers spend over £2bn a month online, but only 31% choose to shop with independent retailers online.

The Digital SOS documentary series has so far garnered 118m impressions and has played a vital role in connecting Vodafone with small businesses, helping them address some of the key challenges they face online, whether looking to find new customers, increase sales or protect themselves through smarter cybersecurity.

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Apex Gym, the passion project of small business owner Amelia Lawes, has received much needed digital strength training from Steven Bartlett and the Vodafone Business V-Hub.

Apee Bhutani, Founder and Owner, D.A.Y Boutique, said:

“This experience has been so eye-opening to be a part of, and it has really made us think about the quick wins we can make to our website and social media channels. Due to the love of interacting with our customers and local community in store, we often neglect our online presence.

“But we’re aware of the need to keep focused on this, as we live in a digital world nowadays and don’t want to get left behind! Therefore, we’re really grateful for the work of Vodafone Business, alongside Steven, to help support small businesses – and all for free with V-Hub!”

Steven Bartlett, Vodafone Business Ambassador and Diary of a CEO host, said:

“It’s been great working with Vodafone Business on this new documentary series to help really bring to life how much they’re doing to support small businesses through their online platform, V-Hub. I’ve loved meeting with such individual small businesses which reminded me of when I first started out.

Vodafone Business tackles cybersecurity in the second episode of its Digital SOS documentary series starring Steven Bartlett

Small businesses like Mejuicer can reach their potential through the better use of technology, with a little help from Vodafone V-Hub.

“Their passion, tenacity and determination to follow their dreams and give back to their local communities is truly inspiring, and I’m really excited to watch their businesses continue to grow by putting mine and V-Hub’s advice into practice.

“SMEs are the backbone of our economy and, by making greater use of technology and leaning into the digital world, business owners can improve their digital skills as well as their business potential.”

Jo Wedlock, Head of Business Marketing, Demand & Comms, Vodafone Business UK, said:

“We created the Digital SOS documentary series in partnership with Steven Bartlett as we know SMEs are often looking for help on how digital technology can play a role in growing their business. We are committed to being a trusted digital partner for SMEs and hope the series inspires and educates entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level online.”

The Vodafone Business V-Hub is a free online support service that provides expert guidance, knowledge, tools and training. SMEs can discover how to take the next step on their digital journeys by talking to a team of Vodafone Business V-Hub Business Advisers. Find out more and watch the latest episode in the series now.

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About Vodafone UK

Vodafone UK is a technology communications company that connects people, businesses and devices to help our customers benefit from digital innovation. Our services span mobile, fixed-line connections, home and office broadband, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

We have a strong track record as a tech pioneer, making the UK’s first mobile phone call, sending the first text message, and making the UK’s first live holographic call using 5G in 2018. We were the first to start carrying live 5G traffic from a site in Salford, Greater Manchester and now have 5G in locations across Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain as well as the UK. Meanwhile, our 4G network coverage currently reaches over 99% of the UK population.

Today, Vodafone serves more than 18 million mobile and fixed-line customers in the UK. Vodafone is the largest provider of full fibre in the UK – our superfast broadband services are now available to nearly 12 million homes across the UK.

Sustainability is also at the heart of what we do: as of 1 July 2021, 100% of the grid electricity we use in the UK is certified to be from renewable sources.

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