Coming at an incredibly tough time for many small firms, with the impact of the pandemic and recession, the 2020 Small Biz 100  will profile some of the UK’s best small businesses in the 100 days build up to Small Business Saturday, as part of its mission to support and celebrate British small businesses.

The Small Biz 100 count-down kicks off with independent restaurant Chukus in Tottenham, run by brother and sister duo Emeka and Ifeyinwa Frederick, whose passion for bringing great Nigerian tapas to London has inspired a loyal following and community crowdfunding.

The campaign will go on to showcase a daily celebration of the ‘Small Biz 100’ through social media. This year’s campaign includes a diverse and vibrant range of independent businesses spanning the nation - including a family run florist in Bristol, a beauty salon in Inverness, a virtual PA in Northern Ireland and a wine school in Chester.

Michelle Ovens MBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: “This year’s Small Business Saturday is going to be the most important one yet, given the phenomenally tough time small businesses have had with the double whammy of Covid-19 and now a recession. Throughout the crisis the UK has been reminded about what a special and important role small firm’s play in communities across the UK. The launch of the fabulous Small Biz 100 highlights the amazing, positive impact these firms have. It’s vital we continue to support small businesses as this crisis continues and we’re determined to make the 2020 Small Business Saturday bigger and better than ever.”

This year’s cohort joins hundreds of previous Small Biz 100 alumni champions, which have been celebrated by the iconic campaign since its UK launch in 2013.

Emeka Frederick, Co-Founder of Chukus restaurant in Tottenham said: "We are excited to be joining the Small Biz 100. As a small business whose mission is centered around building community and sharing joy, it feels very apt to be part of this positive and uplifting campaign. And in the midst of a challenging business environment, it's great to have something celebrate!"

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 discounts.

The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but with an impact that lasts all year round.

A grassroots, not-for-profit campaign, Small Business Saturday was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010. American Express remains the principal supporter of the campaign in the UK, as part of its avid championing of the UK high street and commitment to encourage consumers to shop small.

Dan Edelman, General Manager UK, Global Merchant and Network Services, American Express said: “Each and every one of the businesses featured in the Small Biz 100 have a truly inspiring story to tell and this spotlight on them has never been more important or more needed.  Our local communities are richer and more vibrant for the presence of these independents and we’re honoured to play our part supporting them through our Shop Small campaign and as principal supporter of Small Business Saturday.”

Now in its eighth year in the UK, the campaign has grown significantly each year with an estimated £800m spent in small businesses across the UK on 2019's Small Business Saturday, and a record turnout of 17.6 million people choosing to shop small on the day.

The #SmallBizSatUK campaign trended at number one in the UK on Twitter during 2019, 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.

Small Business Saturday 2020 is open to all small businesses to participate in and will commence its regional bus tour roadshow during the autumn, to offer support and mentoring for small businesses in towns and cities across the UK.