Small Business Saturday is taking the press, internet and Twitter by storm. It’s mission is clear; To get the UK to support small businesses; not just on December 7th, but all-year-round.
Small Business Saturday is a grass-roots campaign that encourages people to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities.
It is traditionally an American shopping holiday held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, one of the busiest shopping days of the year. The initiative started in 2010, and has generated a lot of custom for small businesses. And now we want to bring it to our fair shores here in the UK, to support those small businesses who are the lifeblood of our economy.
In the U.S. last year, Small Business Saturday achieved $5.5 (£3.5) billion in sales to small businesses, and led to an increase in long-term custom.
So, why do we need one in the UK?
Our nation’s small businesses provide almost two thirds of private sector employment and almost half of private sector turnover.
Chuka Umunna – The Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills – quite rightly thinks that they deserve some recognition, and is bringing the initiative to the UK – for an introduction to Chuka’s thoughts, visit this article.
When is it?
Small Business Saturday in the UK will take place on the 7th December, one of our busiest shopping days of the year. I am championing this campaign and working with my personal clients to spread the word and get involved.
Who’s supporting it?
American Express will be supporting the campaign on this side of the pond as well, and they aren’t the only ones!
David Cameron has voiced his support on Twitter, as President Obama did in the U.S. version last year.
The Federation of Small Businesses is backing it, a forum for Private Business, the Association of Convenience Stores, the British Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Town & City Management representing hundreds of thousands of local businesses.
Ingenious Britain, the small business champions, and Start-up Britain, who aim to support countless entrepreneurs, are also lending their undying support to the initiative.
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for one of the goodie-bags, share your stories and let’s get Britain supporting our fantastic small businesses and if you are one of them…what can you do?
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