Wirral's independent local news website
The public is being urged to get behind their favourite small firms this Small Business Saturday (3 December), as business owners face a major raft of challenges including the cost-of-living crisis and onset of a recession.
Small Business Saturday celebrates small business success and encourages people to ‘shop local’ and support businesses in their communities. Organisers are calling for a significant show of support from across the nation, as small firms head into the crucial festive trading period.
Two-thirds (66 per cent) of small businesses see rising costs as the biggest challenge to running their business over the next six months, with 61 per cent citing the rising cost of energy and half naming economic uncertainty.
Over two-thirds (69%) are continuing to diversify their business to respond to the current crisis, after 72% did so in the wake of the pandemic.
Bala Croman, founder of The Chocolate Cellar, based in New Ferry, said, “I absolutely love the Small Business Saturday Campaign. It is a beautiful celebration of all the fabulous, delightful, independent, charming businesses out there.
“It is a voice for all of us small businesses and enables us to say “Hello! We’re here – look at what we’re doing!”
“It is a collaboration of hugely diverse small businesses coming together and championing each other and encouraging each other on their challenging journey. The campaign asks everyone to join in and support their local small businesses – they are definitely out there – you just need to look for them!”
Michelle Ovens CBE, director of Small Business Saturday UK, said, “Small businesses are the life and soul of our economy, society, and communities. But with everything they have been through, many are now really finding things tough as economic conditions worsen.
“Public support is urgently needed. We need to all show our favourite small businesses just how much we love and appreciate them this weekend and beyond. It can have a transformational impact.”
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 digital marketeers. Many small businesses celebrate the day by hosting events, offering promotions, and collaborating with other small businesses.
A grassroots, not-for-profit campaign, Small Business Saturday was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010.
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