Yes - Skimmias are wonderful as small shrubs.

If you're thinking about containers, there are lots of bedding plants around - winter pansies and violas, cyclamen, heathers, lamium. Pop some bulbs underneath and the colour will go into spring.

I agree with spritzs selection. dont forget small slow growing conifers. they come in a range of colours from yellows to greeny blues. Then there are some evergreen ferns too.

thanks