The Small Business Saturday campaign will return on the 2nd of December with a mission to help small firms maximise the peak season, and today we share 5 ways you can celebrate Small Business Saturday and get involved.
A survey of independent business owners, on behalf of Small Business Saturday and American Express, the campaign’s principal supporter, revealed Christmas is the most profitable period for over two thirds of small firms and vital to sustaining finances through the winter and tougher periods.
As the campaign gears up to return next week on the 2nd of December, organisers are calling on the UK’s small businesses to get involved and make the most of the spotlight. This comes amid flat economic forecasts, with the research also showing small firms continue to face a raft of challenges including inflation, which 31% say remains their biggest issue for the next six months.
Entering its second decade in the UK, Small Business Saturday has a mission to support and celebrate the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses, encouraging people to ‘shop local’ and back small firms in their communities.
Christmas is such a critical time for us, the six weeks to the big day can generate a huge proportion of our annual profit and sets us on a good footing for the year ahead.
The loyal customer base which we have built up over the years is key to having a good festive season, and gently reminding them to shop local and support independents is a huge part of our strategy. Whilst the cost-of-living crisis will most definitely have an impact, we are trading up on last year and customers are still spending, so overall we are feeling hopeful.
– Greg Rose, co-founder of Maybugs in Sussex
As we enter our second decade, Small Business Saturday’s mission to support and celebrate the phenomenal contribution of small businesses across the UK remains just as vital.
As things remain challenging out there for business owners, support from the public is absolutely vital, particularly during peak season. I’d encourage all small businesses to get involved and make the most of the spotlight!
– Michelle Ovens CBE, director, Small Business Saturday UK
The UK’s most successful business campaign, Small Business Saturday engages millions and has seen billions of pounds spent with small firms on the day. Over the time it has been running in the UK, public support for small businesses has grown, with 77% of small firms believing customers like to support them in the current climate.
As a small business owner, I value the spotlight that the Small Business Saturday campaign casts on enterprises like ours. It inspires individuals to explore diverse offerings and uncover the profound passion and dedication that small business owners invest in their work. This campaign serves as a call for everyone to consciously embrace local choices, contributing to the creation of innovation and economic growth. Small Business Saturday itself is more than a day of increased sales; it serves as a beacon, reminding customers of the distinctive value small businesses bring to the community. It’s a celebration of connections, relationships, and local commerce.
– Jen Baptiste, founder, Black Culture Market
A grassroots, not-for-profit campaign, it was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010. Small Business Saturday is free and open to all small firms to take part in, with many hosting events, offering promotions, and collaborating with other local businesses.
5 ways business owners can celebrate Small Business Saturday
- Use the campaign to engage your customers by downloading marketing materials from https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com
- Host an event or run a special promotion
- Join in online with the conversation using #SmallBizSatUK and tag @SmallBizSatUK in your celebrations
- Team up with other small businesses and community groups like your local council or BID to celebrate the campaign
- Register to be featured on the Small Business Finder map and app on https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/my-small-business
Despite the ongoing economic challenges, Small Business Saturday’s data also showed that small businesses remain upbeat with almost half (45%) feeling confident about the next six months and 22% diversifying their operations to respond to hurdles. This includes a rising trend for collaboration amongst local businesses, as 73% team up to navigate economic challenges.
As the campaign moves into its second decade, it remains just as vital. We are proud to play our part in championing small businesses as long-standing principal supporter of Small Business Saturday UK, and through our Shop Small campaign, which encourages our Cardmembers to spend with independent, local businesses all year round.
– Dan Edelman, General Manager, UK Merchant Services, American Express
