Businesses ready for big campaign day

PEOPLE are being urged to support small businesses as part of a national campaign.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Dec 2016, 05:55 GMT
Updated 6th Dec 2016, 12:40 GMT
Liza Bailey and her daughter Helen Bailey at their shop Seaside Florist in Rails Lane Hayling Island Picture: Malcolm Wells (160819-2556)Liza Bailey and her daughter Helen Bailey at their shop Seaside Florist in Rails Lane Hayling Island Picture: Malcolm Wells (160819-2556)
Liza Bailey and her daughter Helen Bailey at their shop Seaside Florist in Rails Lane Hayling Island Picture: Malcolm Wells (160819-2556)

Small Business Saturday is set to return tomorrow and scores of independent traders will be getting involved and offering discounts and putting on events.

Now in its fourth year, the 2016 campaign theme is ‘Small Business, Big Difference’. It celebrates the contribution made to the nation by the UK’s 5.5 million small business owners.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Federation of Small Businesses is encouraging everyone to get involved.

Neil Eames, development manager for FSB in Dorset, Hampshire and Isle of Wight said: ‘As we approach Christmas, now is the time for all of us to go out and celebrate our local businesses.

‘Small firms make a big difference to our local communities with many going above and beyond to help their small business neighbours and local start-ups.

‘It’s a busy day, and we are hoping that even more people will turn out this year, to support the diversity and vibrancy of our small business community.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘This is a great opportunity to check out what your small local businesses offer.

‘Whether you’re shopping, buying services or products, choosing where to go for a meal, or building a website – hard working, innovative small businesses in our local towns are the first place we should look.’

Seaside Florist, on Hayling Island, was just one of 100 small businesses highlighted by the campaign in the run up to the day.

The shop, run by Helen Bailey and her mum Liza, opened in November 2010.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Helen said: ‘Small Business Saturday is amazing and really helps to highlight what wonderful small businesses we all have right on our doorstep. The more support and encouragement given to small businesses will benefit our communities, economy and local employment.’

They will be running a raffle and holding an event on Saturday.

Last year more than £600m was spent with small businesses on the day itself, a rise of over £100m from the previous year, 2014.

FSB research shows that for every £1 spent with a small or medium-size business, 63p is re-spent in the local area, compared to 40p in every £1 spent with a chain or larger business.

To find out more go to facebook.com/smallbusinesssaturdayuk

Related topics:PeopleIsle of WightHampshireDorset