Small Business Week 2007 was the first time key organisations representing a range of government, business and independent organisations have ever come together in partnership to celebrate the country's 4.3 million small businesses, explore the issues and opportunities they face and champion their cause in highlighting what resources and support structures are available now and what is needed in the future to ensure this community continues to flourish.

It brought together start–ups, home–based businesses and established, growing enterprises with BT Business, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), BusinessLink, Enterprise Nation, Every Woman and the Royal Bank of Scotland.

The week saw a host of initiatives and activities taking place at locations across the UK, including a national launch event and debate at the BT Tower in London, a series of 'Better Business' events, round table discussions, web seminars, podcasts and advice clinics.

It explored a wide range of key issues, topics and opportunities relevant to small business success, including how best to manage your carbon footprint as a SME, the merits of flexible working, making to most of business on the web, and key national and regional research findings on the 'State of the SME Nation' which lifted the lid on many of the issues affecting UK small businesses.

The week also gave businesses and other key stakeholders the chance to get involved in the debate, access and share best practice, and to help shape the thinking and priorities of key SME support and service organisations for the future.

Small Business Week will be back bigger and better next year, bringing together more small businesses, government agencies and organisations in a wider range of events, in more locations across the UK.