Shops, family firms and online companies. We've got them all in Sunderland.
And with Small Business Saturday on the way, we are celebrating with a look at some of the little firms which have made industry tick on Wearside.
Have a look at these 9 Sunderland Echo retro photos which show a tiny selection of the impressive business scene we have enjoyed in the city over the years.
And with Small Business Saturday on the way, we are celebrating with a look at some of the little firms which have made industry tick on Wearside.
![Martin O'Neill of Sweet Home Alabama who picked up the Small Business trophy at the Echo's Business Awards in 2010.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/11/30/12/59/sbs.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
5. Champion times
Martin O'Neill of Sweet Home Alabama who picked up the Small Business trophy at the Echo's Business Awards in 2010. | se
![The group 'Eliza Smiles' entertained visitors to The Place in Sunniside, which was holding a Christmas Fair for local small businesses in 2013.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/11/30/12/00/sbs2.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
6. The Place to be in 2013
The group 'Eliza Smiles' entertained visitors to The Place in Sunniside, which was holding a Christmas Fair for local small businesses in 2013. | se
![Chris Gill of Carsmetics. He launched a small business campaign 15 years ago.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/11/30/12/45/sbs6.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
7. A 2008 reminder
Chris Gill of Carsmetics. He launched a small business campaign 15 years ago. | se
![Excel Elevator Ltd won the Small Business trophy in the Echo's Business Awards in 2012.
Elaine Terry and Jonathan Wilde collected the trophy.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/11/30/12/18/sbs3.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
8. Excellence in 2012
Excel Elevator Ltd won the Small Business trophy in the Echo's Business Awards in 2012. Elaine Terry and Jonathan Wilde collected the trophy. | se