More shoppers choosing to buy local ahead of Small Business Saturday

With this year’s Small Business Saturday event scheduled to take place on 5th December, these figures suggest that it’s more important than ever for small, independent retailers to be allowed to reopen safely next month.

This poll of UK consumers demonstrates the power of small, family businesses in local communities during times of crises. Many of whom have pivoted their original business model to provide additional products and services to meet the needs of residents.

Michelle Ovens, Director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: “This crisis has brought home just how much small firms are at the heart of our communities.

“They have been there for customers and shown strength, determination and agility in coping. It’s no wonder that support for Britain’s small businesses is rocketing.

“It’s vital we continue to support small businesses as this crisis continues, which is why we are determined to make this year’s campaign the most impactful ever.”

2020 marks the eighth successive year of Small Business Saturday UK, which has enjoyed year-on-year growth as a nationwide campaign. In 2019, a record 17.6 million shoppers opted to buy local on Small Business Saturday, spending an estimated £800m at the tills.

Ordinarily, the Small Business Saturday UK campaign launches a nationwide ‘roadshow’ in the weeks leading up to the big day. However, the continued restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic has forced it online for 2020.

This year’s online roadshow will feature ‘virtual visits’ to over 33 towns and cities across the UK, spanning metropolitan areas such as Manchester and London, as well as rural communities like Bodmin in Cornwall.

During each ‘virtual visit’, small businesses in each area will be able to book one-to-one online mentoring sessions with local experts on a range of issues including digital marketing, e-commerce and cash flow management. All of which has grown in importance throughout the coronavirus crisis.

Live workshops and seminars will also be streamed throughout the online roadshow via the Small Business Saturday UK Facebook page.

“While we’re obviously sad not to be visiting small businesses on the ground, we are excited to use online to reach more people than ever, and bring small businesses and their communities a tremendously useful package of support,” added Ms Ovens.

Date published 12 Nov 2020 | Last updated 16 Nov 2020