Every small business has a moment where the work in the workshop suddenly feels bigger than the workshop itself. For us, that moment happened on a stage in front of over a thousand people, where a set of our hand-cut Bombay Sapphire glasses sat quietly in the spotlight during one of the most talked-about sessions of the day.
It's the kind of milestone that doesn't happen by chance. It happened because GoGiftid was named a winner of Theo Paphitis' Small Business Sunday (SBS) award, recognising our approach to sustainable, handcrafted gifting — and from there, things moved quickly.
What Is SBS, and Why Does It Matter to Small Businesses?
Small Business Sunday, known as #SBS, is a long-running initiative founded by retail entrepreneur and former Dragons' Den investor Theo Paphitis. Every week, small businesses across the UK post on social media for a chance to be selected, and winners join a growing network of thousands of independent brands. Being chosen isn't just a nice mention — it opens doors to trade shows, retailer introductions, and events that would otherwise take years for a small business to reach on its own.
For a brand built on upcycled glass rather than mass production, that kind of visibility is exactly what turns a good product into a growing business.
From Workshop to Trade Show Floor
Winning SBS gave GoGiftid a stand at one of the UK's leading gift and home trade shows, where our Bombay Sapphire Collection sat alongside our wider range of upcycled glassware, in front of retail buyers from across the country. It was the first time many of them had seen a hand-cut gin bottle turned into a piece of drinkware up close — and the reaction told us we were onto something worth scaling.
The Day Our Glasses Took the Stage
The bigger surprise came during the event's main stage programme, built around a fireside chat between Theo Paphitis and author, presenter, and burns survivor advocate Katie Piper, on the theme of resilience. It's one of the most anticipated parts of the entire event — the kind of session that stays with the room long after it ends.
Our upcycled Bombay Sapphire glasses were selected to feature on that stage, placed where thousands of small business owners in the audience, and many more watching online, could see them. For a product that began life as an empty gin bottle, it was a genuinely surreal thing to witness.
On Stage: Bombay Sapphire glasses featured on stage during the Katie Piper and Theo Paphitis fireside chat.
Why This Moment Meant So Much
● It validated the craft. Every glass in that collection is cut, sanded, and finished by hand — seeing that work recognised on a national stage was a first for us.
● It validated the mission. GoGiftid exists to give discarded bottles a second life. Having that story told in front of a room built around resilience felt fitting.
● It opened new conversations. Retailers, press, and fellow small business owners reached out afterward, several of whom hadn't heard of upcycled glassware as a category before.
The Glasses Behind the Moment
The Bombay Sapphire glasses that made it onto that stage are part of our ongoing Bombay Sapphire Collection — each one hand-cut from an authentic Bombay Sapphire bottle, sanded smooth, and finished for everyday use as a tumbler or gin glass. They carry the bottle's original blue-tinted glass and embossing, so no two glasses in the collection look quite the same.
If gin is your recipient's drink of choice, our roundup of gifts for gin lovers is a good next stop, and our piece on luxury sustainable drinkware for modern homes puts the collection in context alongside the rest of our upcycled glassware range.
What This Means for GoGiftid Customers
Recognition like this doesn't change what we make — it confirms we're making the right thing. Every order that goes out, whether it's a single glass or a wholesale order for a retailer, or a corporate gifting run for a client list, carries the same hand-finishing that stood on that stage. The scale has grown; the process hasn't changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Theo Paphitis' SBS award?
SBS, or Small Business Sunday, is a weekly initiative by retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis that recognises and supports UK small businesses, offering winners access to a wider network, trade show opportunities, and industry exposure.
Are the Bombay Sapphire glasses made from real Bombay Sapphire bottles?
Yes. Each glass is hand-cut from an authentic, previously used Bombay Sapphire bottle, then sanded and finished to be safe and comfortable for everyday drinking.
Can I buy the same glasses that appeared on the SBS stage?
Yes — they're part of our standard Bombay Sapphire Collection, available to order directly through our shop.
Do you offer these glasses for retailers or corporate orders?
Yes, we work with retailers and corporate clients on bulk orders. Get in touch through our contact page to discuss quantities and lead times.
Be Part of the Next Chapter
From a workshop table to a national stage, our Bombay Sapphire glasses carry the same story with every order. Explore the full Bombay Sapphire Collection and bring a piece of that story home.
