Support Small Businesses this Christmas

Small Business Saturday started in the US in 2010 with a campaign by American Express.  It has taken off here in the UK, but I know that some of you would love to know a little more about it, and why you should get involved.

"Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support small businesses in their communities.

The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses.

On Small Business Saturday, customers across the U.K go out and support all types of small businesses, online, in offices and in stores. Many small businesses take part in the day by hosting events and offering discounts."

 The idea is, during all your Christmas or holiday spending, you should try and spend some money with a small business.  Initially this was targeted at local small businesses, but now includes small businesses online – think independent sellers on Etsy, small business websites, or one of this year’s Small Business Top 100 – Books Pieces.   

Books and Pieces owner Amanda says

I spend time sourcing brilliant books you and your family will love at low prices you’ll really adore too. I specialise in books for 0-6 year-olds and sell over 150 books in my 3 for ￡10 offer all year round, from buggy books, cloth books and bath books to lift-the-flap, sensory books, storybooks and activity books.  

Why should you support a small business this Christmas?

Let’s start with some facts and figures:

According to the UK Parliament December 2018, there are 5.7 million SME’s in the UK

“The usual definition of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) is any business with fewer than 250 employees. There were 5.7 million SMEs in the UK in 2018, which was over 99% of all businesses.” 

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy.  We’ve all seen the Facebook posts asking us to support a small business by sharing it with our network.  But actually putting your hand in your pocket will make much more of a difference than a social networking share.

One great reason to support small businesses is actually getting a gift for someone that is not the same as everyone else.  Who has been to a Christmas event and found that someone else is wearing the exact same Christmas jumper as you?  

How many of us get duplicate bath/body/smellies gift sets?   Now think about your local high street independent shop creating their own bespoke gift baskets.   You can even go to a local shop who will make up a hamper or basket for you!

I am not saying you can’t get thoughtful gifts for your family and friends from the big supermarkets (Marmite mug and socks anyone?!) but the gift you pick up in the local independent garden centre (locally made honey/chutney) not only looks a bit different, but is supporting your local business owner as well!

In these current times, I am quite interested in getting ‘experiences’ for my family rather than more stuff to fill our house with.  Local businesses in Belfast offer tickets to the theatre,  trampolining afternoons,  afternoon tea vouchers, afternoons spent learning how to grow your own veg, you get the idea.

If you are pressed for time, you can still support small businesses by buying from them on the big sites – one of my fellow Local Hero small businesses for 2019, Colleen Wong, runs My Gator Watch – a watch with GPS tracking to keep your little one safe - and those can be found on Amazon (sssh).

As an online small business owner, I have been named one of 12 Local Hero's as part of this year's campaign (yes, Social Bee selling LinkedIn training sessions both on and offline is also a small business to support)

I get to go to the House of Lords to celebrate this year’s Small Business Saturday team on 5th December and on the 7th, I will be out and about supporting my local small businesses.  

What can you do?

• So while you are getting your Christmas shopping, next time you want a coffee break, choose an independent coffee shop.  
•  Have a look online at small businesses and pick a gift that stands out.  
• Check your local high street or village to see what’s on offer from your local business owners.   
• Check out the top 100 small businesses in the UK this year over at www.smallbusinesssaturday.uk  

The hidden benefit is that it makes you feel good about yourself too ??