Holly Tucker MBE

Holly Tucker MBE is a vibrant and empowering entrepreneur, known for her creative spirit and dedication to championing small businesses.

She is best known as the co‑founder and Executive Chairman of notonthehighstreet.com, the UK’s leading online marketplace for small, creative businesses. Since its launch in 2006, the platform has hosted over 5,000 curated retailers selling more than 200,000 unique products to customers across the UK and beyond.

In 2015 she launched Holly & Co, Holly & Co is a curated online marketplace and platform dedicated to supporting and celebrating small, independent businesses, particularly those founded by women. Over 95% of the businesses featured on the platform are female-founded, highlighting their work and creativity. It also provides advice and inspiration for small business owners.

As the founder of Holly & Co and ‘Not On The High Street’, she has become a leading figure in the world of creative entrepreneurial start-ups.

Holly also serves as the UK Ambassador to Creative Small Businesses, where she passionately advocates for the incredible talent of small business owners worldwide.

With 20 years’ experience, and as the only woman ever to have built two marketplaces to support small businesses, Holly is on a mission to use business to change the world. It is her passion to inspire and empower women, and to show that anyone can build a business doing what they love.

To hire ‘Not on the High Street’ Founder and all round business Entrepreneur Holly Tucker, contact us at Great British Speakers

Type Of Speaker

After Dinner Business & Finance Consumer Trends Creativity, Change & Innovation Female Speakers Influencer International Women's Day Keynote Motivational Sales & Marketing Speaker

More About Holly Tucker MBE

Holly Tucker began her career in advertising at Publicis and later Condé Nast, working for accounts such as L’Oreal’s Luxury Products International division of Prestige and Collections, and Royal Doulton. In 2003, she founded Your Local Fair, a series of pop-up upmarket events in London. ‘Your Local Fair’ provided the inspiration for notonthehighstreet.com, which Tucker co-founded with fellow Great British Speaker Sophie Cornish in 2006.

Holly Tucker | Notonthehighstreet.com

Not On The High Street was founded by Sophie Cornish, alongside friend and former colleague Sophie Cornish. Despite going on to become a multimillion-pound business, it had humble beginnings: being created on Holly and Sophie’s kitchen table.

Recognising the lack of choice on the high street and the absence of quality, original products, Holly and Sophie set about addressing this, creating a platform to connect the small businesses making quality products with the consumers who wanted something more artisan and unique.

Holly Tucker | Supporting Small Businesses

Through her immersive brand, Holly & Co, Holly has been a driving force in supporting small businesses through their journeys, helping them grow and succeed.

She has made a significant economic impact, contributing over £1 billion to the UK economy, while also assisting numerous small business owners along the way.

Holly’s advocacy also extends to empowering women to start their own businesses and equipping the younger generation with the skills they need to thrive in the evolving work environment.

Holly Tucker MBE Female entrepreneur small business Not on The High Street Motivational Speaker at Great British Speakers

Holly Tucker | Podcast & Events

As the host of the popular podcast ‘Conversations of Inspiration,’ Holly engages in inspiring conversations with successful founders, both from small businesses and well-known brands. The podcast consistently ranks in the iTunes business charts top 10.

Her annual event, the ‘Congregation of Inspiration,’ is a transformative experience, featuring mass-participation sing-alongs, creative explosions, and a supportive environment to be oneself and pursue dreams.

Holly Tucker MBE hire Female entrepreneur small business Not on The High Street Motivational Speaker at Great British Speakers

Holly Tucker | Author

Holly is a published author of bestselling books, including Build a Business from Your Kitchen Table, Shape Up Your Business and Do What You Love, Love What You Do, which has been regarded as a new business bible. In this book, she shares her own story, valuable lessons, and practical advice on creating and growing a business. The book emphasises the importance of a positive mindset and building an empowered community. Moreover, it highlights the achievements of the creative community, inspiring readers to join the path of success.

Overall, Holly Tucker’s impact on the small business world, her dedication to empowering others, and her celebration of creativity make her an influential and inspiring figure for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners alike.

Holly Tucker MBE | Awards and Accolades

In recognition of her impact, Holly was appointed MBE in 2013 for services to small businesses and enterprise. She was also named UK Ambassador for Creative Small Businesses in 2015 by the Prime Minister. Other awards include EY Entrepreneur of the Year (London & South, 2014); The Google Award for Women in Digital (2014); Media Momentum Women of the Year; Spec savers Everywoman in Retail Entrepreneur of the Year; Management Today 35 Women Under 35; Investor Allstars Entrepreneur of the Year (2012), and Young Guns Golden Gun Award (2008).

Holly Tucker MBE | Keynote Speaker

Holly is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, hosting live events like The Congregation of Inspiration in Syon Park. Her speaking engagements are characterised by infectious energy, creativity, and heartfelt storytelling, earning enthusiastic feedback from organisations like The Marketing Academy and ICAS for her charisma, humour, and motivational impact