eBay is powering SME growth in every UK postcode 

After working in the electronics industry, Matt and Nicola saw a gap in the market for high-quality refurbished tech. They launched Preloved Tech to focus on laptops, consumer electronics, and secure IT recycling when refurbishment isn’t possible.

Based in Shropshire, they work with businesses, schools, and individuals to extend the life of unwanted tech. Their eBay store features pre-owned phones, tablets, laptops, and more. For Matt and Nicola, it’s about sustainability—reducing waste, keeping devices in use, and building a circular economy where tech gets a second chance.

Anil has been selling on eBay for over two years. He launched Hatopia using his business  experience from Afghanistan and skills gained through a UK program for refugee entrepreneurs. Within six months, his products were reaching customers in 36 countries.

Hatopia has continued to grow and won an eBay Business Award last year. Specialising in hats, Anil is also deeply involved in the seller community—when he stepped down from the Seller Council, he organised his first eBay seller meet-up to support others starting out.

Alex started as a hobby seller on eBay, listing unused items from around the house and exploring auctions. During the pandemic, contacts from that network offered him the chance to acquire unused printer cartridges headed for landfill.

He launched CartridgeBuyBack merging online selling with a social mission. Through the eBay for Change programme and a local incubator, he built a business that now donates 15% of its sales to criminal justice charities supporting people after prison, raising over £16,000 since 2023. For Alex, it's about sustainability and offering second chances.

Zachary and Danielle made their first eBay sale in 2022 while still at university, just looking to earn a bit of extra money. They started by selling items they had on hand—clothes, tech, and more—before discovering their niche in vintage and collectible cameras.

That led to Digicam Collective, a full-time business they run as equal partners, from their home. In just a few years, their store has grown steadily and now includes a team of five. They sell internationally and continue to expand their operations—building a specialised, sustainable business with long-term ambition.

Gareth Perry runs Track 9, a vinyl-focused eBay store based out of his home. After spending his entire career in the music industry, he came to a crossroads and realized he didn’t feel motivated to follow where the industry leaders were heading. That moment pushed him to start something new—on his own terms.

His business is made up 90% of vinyl and operates mainly through eBay, which accounts for about 75% of his sales. He sells nationally and internationally from Germany to the US.

Founded by former accountant Nikki, nikkibradford specialises in the resale of luxury fashion. The business grew stronger when her daughter Rachel joined a decade ago, bringing fresh energy connecting the brand with a broader range of customers.

Nikki remains the expert in consignment, offering dedicated care to clients, while Rachel leads operations, marketing, and the day-to-day running of the business. Together, they’ve built a rare thing in this space: a fully self-funded, family-run company with no outside investors.

Their vision is long-term and grounded in conviction—they believe in what they’re building and plan to keep growing sustainably, on their own terms.

Founded in 2002, World of Books is a sustainable online destination for book lovers — a place to buy and sell preloved books with ease and purpose. With a mission to help people read more and waste less, we offer a huge range of affordable, high-quality books on our website and marketplaces, giving every title the chance to be enjoyed again.

CEO Dan Mucha brings deep e-commerce expertise to World of Books, with vast experience and a strong strategic perspective on online marketplaces. Under his leadership, World of Books has made platforms like eBay a core part of its business.

Alastair is the director of marketplaces at Rarewaves, a UK-based business selling books, DVDs & similar entertainment items. On eBay since 2006, they have sold close to 5 million items, with stores in the US and a newer one in Germany, they focus on exports and have previously participated in eBay UK Seller Panels and GR work.

Lindsay began her career as a mechanical design engineer, passionate about sustainability and second-hand treasures. She turned to eBay as a way to generate additional income, initially selling household items before discovering jewellery bundles that sparked a new business opportunity. What started as a small resale venture gradually evolved  into a successful online business built around creativity, reuse and craftsmanship.

Today, Lindsay is the founder of Ojewellery, a British jewellery brand creating sustainable pieces from recycled precious metals and genuine gemstones. More than two decades after starting her eBay journey, she remains deeply involved in the seller community, co-hosting the Manchester eBay Meetup, mentoring other entrepreneurs and helping new sellers grow their businesses through shared experience and support.