Small retailers celebrated in the countdown to Small Business Saturday
Inspiring small retailers from across the UK have been chosen for this year’s SmallBiz100
A host of small retailers have been chosen as part of a line-up of inspirational UK entrepreneurs kicking off this year’s Small Business Saturday UK, as its one-hundred-day count-down gets underway.
Aiming to support, celebrate and send out a ‘big thank you’ to small businesses for the important role they play within communities, particularly throughout the pandemic, Small Business Saturday UK is showcasing a diverse range of 100 independent businesses from across the country, in its 2021 SmallBiz100.
This year’s line-up showcases a range of shops, online retailers, and makers from across the UK, including Giddy Goat Toys, an independent toy shop in Manchester, Cornwall’s Lucy Kemp Jewellery and Home by Holly, a Welsh online home interiors boutique.
Now in its ninth year in the UK, Small Business Saturday will return on 4 December 2021 following its record-breaking success last year which saw an estimated £1.1 billion being spent with small businesses across the UK on the day.
This year the 2021 SmallBiz100 features a range of environmentally conscious small firms and retailers, to highlight their important role in tackling the climate crisis ahead of the UN Climate Summit COP26 in Glasgow this November.
Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: “Throughout the crisis we have been reminded of the special role that small firms play in local communities. The stories of this year’s Small Biz 100 really bring this to life. As the UK recovers from the pandemic, small businesses still face considerable challenges to get back on their feet and it’s important we continue to support them. We are excited to be kicking off this year’s campaign to show our thanks to small businesses, and encouraging everyone to get behind us.”
Holly Bennett, founder of Home by Holly, one of this year’s SmallBiz100 said: “I am so happy to be recognised as one of the Small Business Saturday’s SmallBiz100! Jumping into the world of small business can be so daunting, especially when it’s something you’ve wanted to do for so long, particularly given the hectic year we have all had. This makes Small Biz 100 even more special as it is shining light on hard working businesses who have followed their dreams and worked so hard to make their businesses successful and will continue to do so. I can’t wait to get to know more like-minded businesses and continue shining that light and am so grateful for the opportunity!”
A grassroots, not-for-profit campaign, Small Business Saturday UK celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to shop small and support businesses in their communities. It was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010.
Dan Edelman, General Manager UK, Global Merchant and Network Services, American Express said: “This year’s Small Biz 100 goes to show just how creative and vibrant our small business community is in the UK. More than ever, it feels important to celebrate the achievements of all the independent businesses that go above and beyond for their customers every day. We’re honoured to play our part supporting them through our Shop Small campaign and as principal supporter of Small Business Saturday.”
On Small Business Saturday, customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Many small businesses take an active role in promoting the day by hosting events and offering promotions.
Small Business Saturday attracts huge attention on the day itself, with an impact that lasts all year. Last year the campaign trended at number one in the UK on Twitter, with the Prime Minister, leader of the opposition and the Mayor of London among those publicly supporting the campaign. Over 90% of local councils also supported the campaign.
Click here to get involved in Small Business Saturday 2021
