Most people in this country own a small business, work for a small business or know somebody who does and the small businesses in my constituency of Kenilworth and Southam are the lifeblood of our local economy. I want to do all I can to support them and I hope you will join me in doing this on Small Business Saturday which takes place on 5th December.
The day-long event originates in America and was launched here in the UK to shine a spotlight on the nation’s 4.9 million small and medium-sized companies. Although the campaign focuses on one day, the goal is to have a lasting impact on small businesses by persuading people to support small businesses all year round.
Small Business Saturday matters because small businesses matter. It’s just one day, but we all rely on small businesses every day. Small businesses play an invaluable role in community life. They are right at the heart of our economy, driving growth and jobs. Over 14 million people work in them and if Small Business Saturday raises the profile of small businesses, it will have done its job.
The significance of holding Small Business Saturday on the first Saturday in December is important because it is traditionally the busiest shopping day of the year. This initiative is a brilliant way to champion independent businesses and encourage people to buy their goods and services locally. As many will know, I have done this myself in Kenilworth for several years by providing a ‘Buy a Christmas Present in Kenilworth’ campaign, from which I have always hoped local independent shops would benefit in particular.
Small businesses don’t have the marketing budgets of larger firms, which means, as customers, we don’t always see the fantastic choice and service available right on our doorsteps. That’s why I’m delighted to be backing this campaign, alongside the Prime Minister and I urge everyone to get behind it and show their support for family businesses, local restaurants, and small independent service providers, manufacturers and suppliers in their communities - not just on Saturday but all year round.
