Small businesses are the backbone of any economy, and in the United Kingdom, they play a significant role in driving growth and creating jobs. However, these small businesses often face challenges in competing with larger corporations, especially during the holiday season. To support and promote these local entrepreneurs, Small Business Saturday UK is back with its annual roadshow, visiting 23 locations across the country this November.
Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign that was first launched in the US in 2010. It aims to highlight and celebrate the contributions of small businesses in the community and encourage people to shop local. In the UK, the campaign has been running since 2013 and has gained immense popularity and support from both the government and the public.
This year, the Small Business Saturday UK roadshow will kick off on November 6th and will travel to 23 towns and cities, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Cardiff. The roadshow will feature a variety of activities and events, showcasing the diversity and innovation of small businesses in each location. From pop-up markets and networking opportunities to workshops and talks by industry experts, the roadshow will offer something for everyone.
The main highlight of the roadshow will be the spotlight on local entrepreneurs and their businesses. Each location will have a designated “Small Biz 100” business, which will be featured and promoted on social media and the Small Business Saturday UK website. This will provide these businesses with a platform to showcase their products and services to a wider audience and attract new customers. It will also shine a light on the hard work and dedication of these entrepreneurs, who often go unnoticed in the shadow of bigger corporations.
The roadshow also aims to encourage communities to shop local and support their small businesses. With the holiday season just around the corner, it is the perfect time to promote the “shop local” message. By shopping at small businesses, we not only support our local economy but also help these businesses to thrive and grow. Small businesses also offer unique and personalized products and services, making them the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts for our loved ones.
Small Business Saturday UK has been a huge success in the past, with an estimated £800 million spent at small businesses on the day in 2018. This year, the campaign is expected to be even bigger, with more people becoming aware of the importance of supporting small businesses in their community. The roadshow will undoubtedly play a significant role in spreading this message and encouraging people to shop local not just on the 6th of December, but throughout the year.
The roadshow also aligns with the government’s efforts to support small businesses. In the past few years, the government has introduced various initiatives and schemes to help small businesses grow, such as the Small Business Grant Fund and the Small Business Loan Scheme. By promoting and supporting small businesses, we are not only contributing to the local economy but also creating job opportunities and fostering innovation.
In conclusion, the Small Business Saturday UK roadshow is a fantastic initiative that not only celebrates and promotes small businesses but also encourages communities to shop local. It provides a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses and offers a variety of events and activities for people to participate in. As we enter the holiday season, let us all come together and support our small businesses, who are the heart and soul of our communities. Let us make this year’s Small Business Saturday UK the most successful one yet!
