The Small Business Saturday campaign will return on December 2 with a mission to help small firms maximise the peak season, as research finds that Christmas will be vital to the fortunes of four-fifths (86%) of small businesses.
A survey of 253 independent small business owners in the retail and hospitality sector with a physical location conducted by Censuswide in late October on behalf of Small Business Saturday and American Express (the campaign’s principal supporter), revealed Christmas is the most profitable period for over two-thirds of small firms and vital to sustaining finances through the winter and tougher periods.
As the campaign gears up to return next month, organisers are calling on the UK’s small businesses to get involved. Entering its second decade in the UK, Small Business Saturday has a mission to celebrate the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses, encouraging people to ‘shop local’ and support small firms in their communities.
Gifts Today columnist Greg Rose, who is the co-owner of gift shop chain Maybugs in East Sussex, said: “Christmas is such a critical time for us: the six weeks to the big day can generate a huge proportion of our annual profit and set us on a good footing for the year ahead. The loyal customer base which we have built up over the years is key to having a good festive season, and gently reminding them to shop local and support independents is a huge part of our strategy. While the cost-of-living crisis will most definitely have an impact, we are trading up on last year and customers are still spending, so overall we are feeling hopeful.”
Michelle Ovens CBE, director of Small Business Saturday UK, added: “As we enter our second decade, Small Business Saturday’s mission to celebrate the phenomenal contribution of small businesses across the UK remains just as vital. As things remain challenging out there for business owners, support from the public is absolutely vital, particularly during peak season. I’d encourage all small businesses to make the most of the spotlight!”
Small Business Saturday is a grassroots not-for-profit campaign, which was founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010. It is free and open to all small firms to take part in, with many hosting events, offering promotions, and collaborating with other local businesses.
To learn more, visit smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com
Michelle Ovens CBE PHOTO: Joe Madden
