A nationwide search for the UK’s 100 most inspiring small businesses has kicked off, as part of major plans to mark the tenth-year anniversary of Small Business Saturday UK .
Organisers are calling on brilliant small businesses from across the country to apply to be featured in this year’s SmallBiz100, which showcases the best of Britain’s vibrant small business community, as part of the official countdown to the annual campaign.
Now in its tenth year in the UK, Small Business Saturday will return on 3 December 2022 for an extra special extravaganza celebrating small business success and encouraging consumers to shop small and support businesses in their communities.
“Small Business Saturday is all about shining a light on the UK’s fabulous small businesses and the extraordinary contribution they make to the UK and our local areas,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK.
“We are excited to be showcasing more incredible small businesses from all over the country again this year, as we mark this amazing ten-year milestone. So, if you run an exciting small firm that brings something special to the community, we want to hear from you! Whether you are online or on the high street, based in an office or at home, supporting consumers or other businesses in the supply chain.”
On Small Business Saturday customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, from independent shops and restaurants to small service and b2b based businesses like accountants and digital marketeers. Many small businesses take an active role in promoting the day by hosting events and offering promotions.
The iconic campaign was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010, which remains its principal supporter in the UK.
Over 1000 small businesses have been featured in the campaign’s SmallBiz100 since the campaign started in 2013, with firms from virtually all places and sectors represented; from a hairdresser in Brighton and artist studio in Ballycastle, to a gaming retailer in Grimsby and a dog-groomers in Glasgow.
Small Business Saturday attracts huge attention on the day itself, with an impact that lasts all year. Last year the campaign trended at number one in the UK on Twitter, with the Prime Minister, leader of the opposition and the Mayor of London among those publicly supporting the campaign. Over 90% of local councils also supported the campaign.
Dan Edelman, General Manager, UK Merchant Services at American Express, said: “We’re proud to champion the nation’s small businesses through Small Business Saturday as well as our upcoming Shop Small campaign, which incentivises our Cardmembers to spend with local independent venues, right across the country. Now more than ever they need our support so we’re looking forward to celebrating the 10th anniversary of this vital campaign by helping to shine a spotlight on small businesses and the dedicated people running them.”
To apply for the SmallBiz100 visit https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/small-biz-100
