UK entrepreneurs kick off this year's Small Business Saturday
Inspirational entrepreneurs from across the UK are officially kicking off this year’s Small Business Saturday UK, as the campaign gets underway with its 100 day countdown. 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, the 2021 SmallBiz100 is showcasing a diverse range of independent businesses from across the country.
This includes The York Gin Company, featured on the first day of the countdown, as well as Cornish sustainable surf-board company Kiri Surfboards, Wirral-based eco cleaning company Gleaming Gloss and Runach Arainn Glamping, offering luxury yurts on Scotland’s Isle of Arran.
Now in its ninth year in the UK, Small Business Saturday will return on 4th December 2021, following its record-breaking success last year which saw an estimated £1.1bn spent with small businesses across the UK on the day.
This year, the SmallBiz100 features a range of environmentally conscious small firms, which spotlights 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.”
Emma Godivala Co-founder of the York Gin company said: “Since our launch three years ago, we’ve worked with so many inspirational small businesses who genuinely care for their customers, staff and the environment. We’re proud to be among their number!
“We’re very excited to be recognised in the Small Biz 100. We think it’s vital to celebrate small businesses up and down the country, and the role they’ve played in all our communities. We really believe small businesses can lead the way to a sustainable recovery.”
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 US in 2010.
Dan Edelman, General Manager UK, Global Merchant and Network Services, American Express said: “This year’s SmallBiz100 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.
