As Small Business Saturday marks its tenth year celebrating small businesses in the UK this weekend (3 December), the campaign’s principal supporter in the UK American Express has brought together some of the nation’s leading big retailers to highlight the value and contribution of their small counterparts.
Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign that encourages people to ‘shop local’ and support businesses in their communities.
Recognising the significant challenges facing small businesses, American Express approached some of the UK’s most well-respected ‘big’ retailers to ask for their support in encouraging people to shop small this Small Business Saturday.
Boots, Fenwick, Robert Dyas, Selfridges, Timpson and Waitrose are the big-name brands who have stepped forward for a Big Backing Small collective push ahead of this weekend, sharing messages of support capturing why they’re proud to back small business.
From stocking innovative products from small suppliers, to celebrating their small business customers, to acknowledging the major role that these small businesses play in creating healthy high streets, each Big Backing Small supporter has shared their unique perspective on why it’s so important for them to ‘back small’.
American Express, who originally founded Small Business Saturday in the US in 2010 and remains the principal supporter of the campaign in the UK, will be adding to the messages of support through its own marketing activity and social media posts in the lead-up to Small Business Saturday.
Over the 10 years that Small Business Saturday has been running in the UK, the campaign has engaged millions of people, and seen billions of pounds spent with small businesses across the UK on Small Business Saturday. It has gained support from political leaders, MPs, local councils and business networks, with the Prime Minister, leader of the opposition and Mayor of London among those backing the campaign last year.
Dan Edelman, General Manager, UK Merchant Services at American Express, said: “A huge thank you to the big businesses who are part of Big Backing Small and shining a spotlight on how small businesses punch above their weight in creating a diverse retail sector and contributing so much to local communities. At what is such a challenging time for all businesses, it’s incredible to have their support and to celebrate Small Business Saturday, which has superbly championed the nation’s local, independent small businesses over the past 10 years.”
Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK, added: “The UK’s 5.5 million small businesses are vital to our economy, our society and our local communities, but they are facing massive challenges at the moment and need a huge boost. Small Business Saturday is all about shining a big spotlight on the phenomenal contribution of small businesses and mobilising people to support them. This help must come from across all of society and bigger businesses can play a major role in encouraging and backing entrepreneurs too.”
Adam Kelly, Buying and Merchandising Director, Fenwick said “As a family-owned department store, Fenwick is proud of its continuing support of new and exciting independent labels. The small companies that Fenwick supports are broad ranging from diverse fashion and unique accessories brands to niche family run food companies. These innovative brands ensure there is always a sense of discovery for our customers at Fenwick. I’m delighted Small Business Saturday, founded and supported by American Express, is celebrating ten years of shining a spotlight on small businesses, it’s what keeps retail interesting.”
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