An exciting roadshow is currently travelling across the UK to shine a spotlight on small businesses and their communities, in the lead-up to Small Business Saturday campaign. The initiative, known as ‘The Tour’, commenced its journey in the Scottish Highlands last week and has since visited various locations including Northern Ireland, the North East, and Yorkshire. With the primary goal of assisting small businesses in recovering and thriving post-economic challenges, The Tour will cover over 3,000 miles throughout November, stopping in more than 20 towns and cities such as Solihull, Swansea, Plymouth, and London.
The tour serves as the official countdown to Small Business Saturday on 7th December and is generously supported by BT. It aims to showcase the real people, stories, and communities behind the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses. The tour involves engaging with business owners at the heart of local communities, such as a bridal store in Lossiemouth, a wine tasting school in Chester, and a woodturning studio in Hartlepool. Each stop presents an opportunity to highlight the unique offerings and talents of small businesses across the nation.
Small Business Saturday is a grassroots campaign that celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to support local businesses. In addition to the roadshow, the campaign also offers a month of free online support for small businesses in the UK. This support includes webinars on various business topics and mentoring sessions with industry experts. Moreover, The Tour organised a ‘NetWalk’ event in Belfast, bringing together entrepreneurs for a networking session while enjoying a pleasant outdoor walk and discussions over coffee and cake.
The Tour provides a platform for small business owners to share their stories and connect with a wider audience. Julie Littler, founder of The Littler Places gift shop in Chester, expressed her gratitude for being featured on the Small Business Saturday Tour. She highlighted the growth of her giftware business and the overwhelming support it has received from the local community and beyond. The campaign, now in its eleventh year, continues to garner support from millions of people, with billions of pounds being spent at small businesses on the day.
To minimise emissions, The Tour is utilising electric vehicles, aligning with the sustainability efforts many small business owners are undertaking. Chris Sims, BT’s Managing Director for Small and Medium Enterprise, emphasised the importance of upskilling and adopting technology to drive productivity and growth in small businesses. BT’s involvement in providing tailored insights and support through their Skills for Tomorrow programme showcases their commitment to empowering entrepreneurs.
Moreover, a Small Business Happy Hour on Instagram takes place weekly, featuring giveaways from local businesses across the country. By following @SmallBizSatUK on Instagram, individuals can track The Tour’s progress and access free business support on the Small Business Saturday website. The campaign continues to champion small businesses, highlighting their resilience and contribution to local communities.
In conclusion, The Small Business Saturday Tour serves as a beacon of support for small businesses navigating challenges and striving for growth. Through its engaging roadshow, online support initiatives, and community events, the campaign celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit and economic significance of small businesses across the UK. By fostering a culture of ‘shopping local’ and standing in solidarity with small businesses, communities can play a vital role in supporting their growth and sustainability.