Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Human content, AI powered search.
Latest Stories

Small Business Saturday is coming on December 3

Small Business Saturday is coming on December 3
Andy Marino
By Andy MarinoNov 24, 2022
Andy Marino
See Full Bio
The iconic Small Business Saturday campaign returns to the UK next week on 3 December and small business owners across the country are being encouraged to make the most of the spotlight, particularly as many enter the peak trading period amidst news that the UK has entered recession.
In its tenth year in the UK Small Business Saturday celebrates small business success and encourages people to "shop local" and support businesses in their communities. On Small Business Saturday customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, online, in offices and in stores; from independent shops and restaurants to small service and B2B-based businesses like accountants and digital marketeers.
As it gears up to mark a decade of the campaign in the UK, organisers are calling for a big show of support from the public, to recognise the phenomenal contribution of small independents across their communities, particularly as business owners up and down the country face a major raft of economic challenges, with the cost-of-living crisis.

Small Biz Sat 3

New research from Small Business Saturday and American Express found that while that just over a third (36 per cent) of small business owners feel optimistic about the next six months, one fifth (28 per cent) also say they feel stressed and nervous, and 69 per cent are diversifying their business operations in response to current challenges.
“Small Business Saturday was created to offer small businesses a massive boost, and this is particularly important at the moment when times are really challenging,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, director of Small Business Saturday UK.
“Public support is vital and can make a powerful difference. This campaign is a chance to celebrate your amazing small business and the phenomenal contribution you make to your local area and the wider UK. Whatever your business, whatever your size and wherever you are in your journey, Small Business Saturday is a chance for you to shine.”
A grassroots, non-commercial campaign, Small Business Saturday UK is free and open to all small firms to make the most of. Many small businesses celebrate by hosting events, offering promotions, and collaborating with other local businesses.
The campaign was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010, and it remains the principal supporter in the UK. Over the time the campaign has been running in the UK it has engaged millions around the value of small businesses and seen billions spent with small firms on Small Business Saturday.
The trend to support small businesses has gained momentum in the UK. New data from Small Business Saturday and American Express found that 67 per cent of small firms believe customers are shopping small to support them in current climate.

Paulomi Debnath, founder of Handmade by Tinni, said: ''Small Business Saturday campaign has been an amazing boost to my business this year, especially during the festive period. I design and make bold textile jewellery and home decor items with eco-friendly cotton rope and my products are popular as gifts. Through the campaign, I have gained increased visibility for my small creative brand nationwide. It’s a really challenging time for small businesses, so having support from the public means the world.”

“This year we look forward to celebrating the 10th anniversary of this vital campaign and shining a spotlight on the UK’s amazing small business community," said Dan Edelman, General Manager, UK Merchant Services at American Express. "We are proud to play our part as longstanding principal supporter of Small Business Saturday, and through our own Shop Small campaign.”

As well as encouraging the public to support small businesses, organisers are also urging people to back their favourite independents in other ways, whether it be leaving positive reviews, or spreading the word amongst friends and family.
Five ways businesses can celebrate Small Business Saturday
  1. Use the campaign to engage your customers by downloading marketing materials
  2. Host an event or run a special promotion
  3. Join in online with the conversation using #SmallBizSatUK and tag @SmallBizSatUK in your celebrations
  4. Team up with other small businesses and community groups like your local council or BID to celebrate the campaign
  5. Register to be featured on the Small Business Finder map and app here.
dan edelmanmichelle ovens cbesmall business saturday

Related News

Former sub-postmistress Seema Misra
Post Office

Seema Misra OBE questions 'real motive' behind Post Office renewing Fujitsu Horizon contract [Exclusive]

Budgens Costa Coffee £1 offer for one day at UK stores
Industry News

Budgens to offer Costa Coffee at special price under one-day promotion

Thomas Fudge's Unveils Enhanced Premium Florentine Recipe
Product News

'Hats off to Remarkable Biscuits': FBC relaunches Thomas Fudge’s Florentines with new recipes, design

Renovated Gulf Flush Filling Station in West Yorkshire now open with a 24/7 forecourt, Premier shop, and upgraded fuel dispensers
Industry News

Derelict West Yorkshire forecourt reopens after £150k transformation

More for you

Sarah Baldwin joins Kingsland Drinks Group as managing director

Sarah Baldwin

Sarah Baldwin joins Kingsland as MD

Greater Manchester-based wine and spirits firm Kingsland Drinks Group has announced the appointment of Sarah Baldwin as Managing Director.

Baldwin will lead the employee-owned, full-service drinks company from April, leaving Purity Soft Drinks, where she sat as chief executive for over six years.

Keep ReadingShow less
Illegal vape seizures in Essex surge by 14,000%, highlighting the growing black market and calls for stricter regulations

Essex sees shocking 14,000 per cent surge in illegal vape seizures

Essex has seen a staggering rise of over 14,000 per cent in illegal vape seizures in the past 12 months, a new report has revealed.

The shocking figures place the county just behind the London Borough of Hillingdon for total seizures - which leading industry expert, Ben Johnson, Founder of Riot Labs, attributes to its proximity to Heathrow airport.

Keep ReadingShow less
long-term effects of vaping on children UK study
Photo: iStock

Vaping: Government begins decade-long child health study

Britain will investigate the long-term effects of vaping on children as young as eight in a decade-long study of their health and behaviour, the government said on Wednesday.

The government has been cracking down on the rapid rise of vaping among children, with estimates showing a quarter of 11- to 15-year-olds have tried it out.

Keep ReadingShow less
United Wholesale Dominates 2025 Scottish Wholesale Achievers Awards

Scottish Wholesale Achievers Awards

Scottish Wholesale Association

Scottish wholesalers celebrated at annual awards

United Wholesale, JW Filshill and CJ Lang & Sons emerged as the stars of Scotland wholesale world in the recently held annual Scottish Wholesale Achievers Awards.

Achievers, now in its 22nd year and organised by the Scottish Wholesale Association, recognises excellence across all sectors of the wholesale industry and the achievements that have made a difference to individuals, communities and businesses over the last year.

Keep ReadingShow less
Self-checkout tills at UK grocery store

Self-checkout at grocery store

iStock image

Debate heats up as community group calls to boycott self-checkouts

While a community group recently criticised self-service checkouts, saying automation lacks the "feel good factor", retailers maintain that rise in the trend is a response to changing consumer behaviour and the need of the hour.

Taking aim at self-checkouts in stores, Bridgwater Senior Citizens' Forum recently stated that such automation is replacing workers and damaging customer service.

Keep ReadingShow less