This Saturday, shoppers are being asked to support Small Business Saturday by visiting their local shops and traders.
Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and to support businesses in their communities.
In its sixth year Small Business Saturday is the UK’s most successful small business campaign, which last year saw an estimated £748m spent with small businesses across the UK on Small Business Saturday.
The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but with an impact that lasts all year round. This year Small Business Saturday takes place on 1 December 2018.
*In Stockport, car parking is free on Saturdays in the borough district centres
In 2017 the #SmallBizSatUK campaign trended at number one in the UK on Twitter during 2017, reaching over 115 million people globally. The Prime Minister and the Mayor of London were among those publicly supporting the campaign. Over 87% of local councils also supported the campaign.
On Small Business Saturday, customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Many small businesses take an active role in promoting the day by hosting events and offering discounts.
The Small Biz 100
The official countdown to Small Business Saturday, includes a daily celebration of the ‘Small Biz 100’ through social media. The Small Biz 100 are a selection of some of the best small businesses in the UK, and have been chosen to help spotlight the success of such companies to raise awareness about the positive impact they can have.
Small Business Saturday UK Bus Tour
In addition, the annual Small Business Saturday UK Bus tour travelled over 3000 miles across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, in the 25 days leading up to Small Business Saturday. Starting on the 26th October in Blackburn and ending 28th November in Hammersmith, the bus visited 30 locations. It provided an opportunity for up to 20 local businesses to be a ‘Business on Board’, giving them the chance to demonstrate what their service or offering is all about to the passing public.
Each stop on the bus tour offered mentoring services at all stops of the 2018 bus tour, with support from Xero and many more.
Small Business Saturday was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010. American Express remains the principal supporter of the campaign in the UK, as part of its on- going commitment to encourage consumers to shop small.
Over 115,000 tweets were sent on the day itself reaching more than 115 million people, with #SmallBizSatUKUK trending at number one in the UK.
Backing from local authorities was up from 80% in 2016 to 87% this year, with active support for the campaign including small business events and free parking on the day, meaning wherever you were in the UK, Small Business Saturday was happening nearby.
A spokesperson from Small Business Saturday said:
“We want all kinds of small businesses to get involved, so know that whether you are a family business, local shop, online business, wholesaler, business service or small manufacturer, Small Business Saturday is supporting you!”
Small Business Saturday Christmas Gift Guide:
Hand-picked from the independent online businesses included in the campaign’s ‘Small Biz 100’, the gift list features the latest trends and unique hand-crafted presents created by the UK’s top small business. The Small Biz 100 are highlighted annually as part of the count-down to Small Business Saturday, taking place on 1 December 2018.
Including a range of quirky and unusual gifts, from ethical skincare and unique menswear, through to beautiful arts, crafts, jewellery and delicious artisan food, the Small Biz Gift Guide has a range of Christmas gift ideas for even the trickiest individual.
*does not apply to Stockport town centre car parks