Small businesses across the UK to be celebrated this weekend

Campaign organisers are calling on the public to back their favourite small businesses this Saturday and beyond, to deliver a critical boost for firms heading into another challenging winter. 

Encouragingly public support is already riding high as research in partnership with Small Business Saturday’s principal supporter American Express found four in five people (86%) believe it is important to support small businesses, with 62% believing they boost their local areas.  

Convenience, customer experience and help for local charities and vulnerable people are some of the top benefits small businesses are seen to bring, according to the campaign’s survey of 2,000 members of the public.  

Campaign organisers are calling on the public to back their favourite small businesses this Saturday and beyond, to deliver a critical boost for firms heading into another challenging winter. (Image: Beat Media) Almost half of people (49%) said they give local areas a sense of identity, whilst one-fifth valued the ethical and sustainable practices of small businesses and a quarter considered themselves friends with local business owners. 

“Small businesses deliver an immeasurable value that goes beyond their economic contribution– they are the heart and soul of our communities, bringing joy and vibrancy to our lives and local areas, as well as delivering essential local services,” says Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK.  

“Public support is absolutely vital for boosting small businesses across the UK this weekend and beyond. Many are facing extended economic challenges and need greater support and confidence to recover and keep going. ”  

Convenience, customer experience and help for local charities and vulnerable people are some of the top benefits small businesses are seen to bring, according to the campaign’s survey of 2,000 members of the public. (Image: Beat Media) Research from the Small Business Saturday campaign also found over £20 billion is estimated to be spent by UK households over the ‘Golden Quarter’- the peak season from October to post-Christmas sales. 

With the public expected to potentially direct up to a fifth (22%) of its Christmas spend towards independent firms, the small business economy could be boosted by approximately £4.4 billion if it can tap into public spend. Currently two thirds (66%) of people spend on goods or services with independent firms multiple times a month. 

Small Business Saturday is an annual campaign with a mission to support and celebrate the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses, encouraging people to ‘shop local’ and support small firms in their communities. 

It was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010, and it remains the principal supporter of the campaign in the UK. Over the decade the campaign has been running in the UK it has engaged millions and seen billions of pounds spent with small firms on Small Business Saturday. 

Dan Edelman, General Manager, UK Merchant Services at American Express, said: “With the festive period fast approaching, it’s heartening that public support for small businesses remains strong. Small Business Saturday is a campaign which remains as important now as when it first began. That’s why American Express is proud to champion the nation’s much-loved independent businesses as principal supporter, encouraging the nation to shop small.” 

On Small Business Saturday, customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, both online and in bricks-and-mortar stores; from independent shops and restaurants to small service and b2b based businesses like accountants and plumbers. Many small businesses celebrate the day by hosting events, offering promotions, and collaborating with other local businesses. 

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “The significance of small businesses not only to our economy but also to our communities cannot be overstated. They are an integral part of our everyday lives, from the restaurants we celebrate life events in, to the shops where we buy gifts for loved ones.  

“This government is making the changes that are needed to​ ensure small businesses have what they need to thrive. But the backing of the public, whether that’s shopping local over the festive period or stopping by a new coffee shop, will go a long way to seeing Britain’s beloved businesses grow and flourish.” 

To learn more about Small Business Saturday visit –  https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com 

Research from the Small Business Saturday campaign also found over £20 billion is estimated to be spent by UK households over the ‘Golden Quarter’- the peak season from October to post-Christmas sales. (Image: Beat Media) As well as encouraging the public to shop small, organisers are also urging people to support their favourite independents in other ways, whether it be leaving positive reviews or spreading the word amongst friends and family. 

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “Small businesses are the lifeblood of London’s economy and our communities, which is why it’s so important we support them to thrive.  

“Small Business Saturday champions the vital role these businesses play and I encourage all Londoners to get involved and support their favourite local shops this weekend, helping to build a fairer and more prosperous London for everyone.”