Bira encourages members to embrace the spirit of Small Business Saturday

As the festive season approaches, The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is urging its members to join the nationwide celebration of Small Business Saturday on December 2nd. Small Business Saturday, a grassroots, not-for-profit campaign, has become a beacon for supporting local businesses across the UK.

Now in its tenth year, Small Business Saturday has established itself as the most successful small business campaign in the UK, leaving a lasting impact that resonates throughout the year. Since its introduction to the UK in 2013, the campaign has captivated millions, with billions of pounds being spent at small businesses on this special day.

Small Business Saturday is more than just a one-day event; it is a movement that amplifies the voices of small businesses, putting them in the spotlight. The campaign consistently trends on social media, secures mass media coverage, and enjoys support from political figures across the spectrum. Bira encourages its members to leverage this opportunity to showcase the vibrancy and diversity of the UK's small business community.

Customers are at the heart of this initiative, with Small Business Saturday encouraging them to support local businesses in various ways—whether online, in offices, or in physical stores. Leaving positive reviews, spreading the word about favourite small businesses, and actively participating in the #SmallBizSatUK conversation online are all powerful ways to contribute to the cause.

Small businesses are encouraged to actively participate by hosting events or promotions that showcase their unique offerings. The use of the #SmallBizSatUK hashtag allows businesses to join a broader online conversation and connect with a community that values and supports their endeavours.

To build excitement in the lead-up to Small Business Saturday, the campaign runs a UK-wide roadshow, known as The Tour. This initiative will visit small businesses in over 20 locations across the country. Additionally, a diverse online program offers free workshops, mentoring, and networking opportunities accessible to businesses of all sizes.

Andrew Goodacre, Bira CEO, highlighted the significance of Small Business Saturday, stating, "Small Business Saturday is a great, well-established initiative highlighting the benefits of shopping local and using independent retailers. As it is the first Saturday in December it also provides an extra opportunity to retailers to make the most of the busy festive period. Bira has supported SBS for many years and each year we want to make it bigger and stronger, even more so this year as retailers are facing the most difficult economic conditions."

Bira sees Small Business Saturday as an opportunity for its members to not only boost sales but also to foster a sense of community and loyalty among customers. By participating in this campaign, Bira members contribute to the broader movement of celebrating the vital role that small businesses play in local economies.

As Small Business Saturday approaches, Bira encourages its members to embrace the spirit of the campaign, connect with their communities, and celebrate the resilience and contributions of independent retailers across the UK.

Find out more and download the free toolkit here.