A roadshow is currently touring the UK to support small businesses and showcase independent businesses in preparation for Small Business Saturday. The tour began in the Scottish Highlands and has since travelled to Northern Ireland, the North East, and Yorkshire, covering over 3,000 miles and visiting more than 20 towns and cities including Solihull, Swansea, Plymouth, and London.
The purpose of the tour is to help small businesses recover and grow following years of economic challenges. It is supported by BT and aims to highlight the real people, stories, and communities behind the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses. Business owners from various industries such as a bridal store in Lossiemouth, a wine tasting school in Chester, and a woodturning studio in Hartlepool have been interviewed and featured during the tour.
Small Business Saturday is a grassroots campaign that celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to shop local and support businesses in their communities. In addition to the roadshow, the campaign offers free online support for small businesses, including webinars and mentoring from business experts.
Entrepreneurs in Belfast recently participated in a ‘NetWalk’ event, which combined networking with a gentle outdoor walk followed by discussions over coffee and cake. This initiative aims to provide a break from the typical work environment and encourage socialisation among business owners.
Small Business Saturday has been running for over a decade and has engaged millions of people, resulting in billions of pounds being spent with small businesses across the UK. The campaign is backed by principal supporter American Express and aims to celebrate the contributions of entrepreneurs to local communities.
The tour is being conducted in electric vehicles to minimise emissions, reflecting the sustainable practices that many small business owners are adopting. Chris Sims, BT’s Managing Director for Small and Medium Enterprise, emphasised the importance of developing skills and technology to increase productivity and growth for small businesses.
To support small businesses further, a Small Business Happy Hour is being held on Instagram every week, featuring giveaways from local businesses across the country. This initiative aims to promote small businesses and encourage public support in the lead-up to Small Business Saturday and beyond.
