Londoners are being urged to support the city’s small independents this weekend, as Small Business Saturday returns on 4 December, with a host of events planned across the capital to tie in with the campaign to boost and celebrate small firms.
As London’s small businesses face fresh uncertainty and challenges heading into the crucial festive trading period, The Mayor of London has backed calls for a big show of support.
“I’m proud to once again support Small Business Saturday – a day when we can all show our support for the independent and locally-run shops, cafes, restaurants and other small businesses that make our city what it is,” said The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
“This is more important now than ever before, when so many small businesses have suffered such a difficult year once again. Join me and millions of people across London and the UK as we support the small businesses that make our communities thrive.”
A range of local events are taking place across London, as councils and community groups coincide festive markets, light displays and fun days with Small Business Saturday. For example, Barnet council has launched a shop window competition, and local Christmas markets are planned in Putney, Teddington and Islington.
Now in its ninth year in the UK Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which has sparked an ever-growing wave of support for all types of small businesses – whether they are on the high street, online or in offices.
This year people across the country are being encouraged to use the day as a chance to recognise the huge contribution of independent businesses to communities in lockdown. This follows research from Small Business Saturday and its principal supporter American Express which found over half of Brits (51 %)¹ now support small businesses more than since before the pandemic.
Later research from the campaign also found that while small business confidence is starting to rebound – with 70% feeling more positive, versus 52% in May – the cost of goods (51%), rising energy costs (50%) and product shortages (36%) are now the greatest challenges facing small businesses.
Last year Small Business Saturday achieved record-breaking success with an estimated £1.1 billion spent with small businesses across the UK on the day, according to estimates.
Many of the UK’s 6m small businesses take part in the day by hosting events, offering promotions, and collaborating with local councils, community groups and business owners.
“We all need to show small businesses our love this weekend. Not only do they make a massive contribution to our economy, but also an immeasurable difference to all our lives,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, director of Small Business Saturday UK.
“Despite demonstrating incredible entrepreneurialism and agility – alongside the support they showed staff, customers and communities across London – many are still facing a really tough time. Small Business Saturday is a fantastic chance to get behind these firms and say a big thank you for how amazing they are.”