Shop local and support Small Business Saturday

In 2014 a total of 16.5 million people spent £550 million on Small Business Saturday, which emphasises and celebrates the fundamental contribution of small independent businesses on both a local and national scale.

David Dexter is Deputy chairman of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Lincoln branch chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), a UK-wide organisation which promotes and protects the interests of those who are self-employed and own small businesses.

“Small Business Saturday aims to highlight the success of small businesses and encourage consumers to ‘shop local’ with them, as opposed to larger competitors,” said Mr Dexter.

“When consumers decide to source their goods locally, they are making an active decision which offers invaluable support to businesses that contribute massively to the economy.”

Mr Dexter is hoping that this year’s Small Business Saturday event on December 5 will be just as successful. He said: “It’s easy for consumers to get into the habit of purchasing from larger high street stores, especially because of their high-profile marketing activity. However we must not forget about those excellent businesses which operate on a much smaller scale and provide real personal service.

“Without the success of the types of businesses we aim to highlight during Small Business Saturday, we would all suffer as a result; they are the very building blocks and backbone of a booming economy.”

Organisers are encouraging all kinds of small businesses to get involved, from family-run businesses, to local shops, online businesses, and more.

By taking part, any type of small business will be able to increase their profile locally. To find out more visit www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/

To keep up to date, follow @SmallBizSatUK on Twitter and get involved in the conversation using #SmallBizSatUK and #SmallBizSat.

The Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership is a private and public sector partnership led by the private sector which aims to improve conditions for infrastructure and doing business in the Greater Lincolnshire area.

Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities.

As of 2012, Small Business Saturday takes place on the first shopping Saturday in December each year and the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses.

Visit www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com for more information.