Member Article

Small Business Saturday set for fifth anniversary this weekend

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is encouraging more people than ever to show their support for the UK’s small firms this weekend as Small Business Saturday celebrates its fifth anniversary.

The event highlights the diverse range of small firms across the country, which play a vital role In the economy, by encouraging people to shop small.

FSB research shows that for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business, 63 per cent is re-spent in the local area - compared to 40p in every £1 spent with a chain or larger business.

Last year customers spent £717m with UK small businesses on Small Business Saturday, an increase of 15% on 2015 spending.

Mike Cherry, FSB National Chairman, said: “This year marks five years since the inception of Small Business Saturday, and it’s great the campaign has been so successful in highlighting and promoting the 5.5 million small businesses and self-employed working hard across the UK.

“Many of them are facing mounting pressure, with a record proportion of business owners currently expect to downsize, sell or shut up shop.

“Of course, it’s important to support these businesses throughout the year and, particularly as the festive season draws closer, Small Business Saturday is a great way to encourage shoppers to back their local small firms.

“There’s been a great build up to the day so far with daily celebrations of the Small Biz 100, which included many of our members.

“FSB has long supported the initiative and the important work it does to highlight the hard-working small firms across the UK, and we hope even more people get behind the event this year.”

Michelle Ovens, Director of Small Business Saturday, said: “Small Business Saturday has become the biggest celebration of small businesses across the UK.

“This Saturday will be a huge opportunity for communities to show their support for these businesses that play such a critical role.

“Our research shows over 90% of small businesses believe they have an important role to play in their community - so let’s make sure we have their backs this weekend.

“FSB members up and down the UK have supported Small Business Saturday since year one. The support has been incredibly important, bringing local engagement, expertise and endless enthusiasm to the campaign - a huge thanks to FSB for being part of the team.”