IBDs urged to take part in Small Business Saturday

Organisers of the Small Business Saturday movement are appealing to independent retailers to take part in the event on December 3rd, which aims to put small businesses across the country into the national spotlight.

The initiative has been gaining traction over the last four years, with last year¹s estimate coming in at £623 million spent by customers in independent retailers on that day alone.

Organisers say that Small Business Saturday looks to move away from the vast discounting of other retail events such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and instead focus on appealing to the general public to utilise small businesses in local areas.

Richard Balfe, owner of Balfe’s Bikes, which has shops in Streatham, East Dulwich and Kennington, said: “Small Business Saturday is important for us as an individual business, but probably even more important in getting the message out that small businesses, particularly ones like ours that specialise in a particular area, are important in giving people variety and interest in their high streets and local communities."

Small Business Saturday national campaign director Michelle Ovens added: “Small Business Saturday is not just a campaign to raise awareness of our incredible small business sector and the people behind it, but also a way for small businesses who embrace it to genuinely generate income.

“There are so many ways for small bike businesses to get involved in the campaign, from offering unique one-day offers to customers to creating a special Small Business Saturday product. Business owners can also collaborate with other companies harnessing the initiative; in the past local referral promotions have been particularly effective.”

Those looking to get involved can find out more information and apply for free event packs via the event website here. The packs include posters and window stickers, with links to digital logos and banners.