It's time to shop small

We all know the importance of supporting local businesses, after all small businesses (SMEs) make up 99 per cent of our economy. For that reason, we've come to love and celebrate Small Business Saturday.

When is Small Business Saturday 2021 UK?

Small Business Saturday UK is a non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop small' and 'shop local' within the neighbourhoods and communites - online as well as on the high street.

This annual event takes place on the first Saturday in December every year, the next one being Saturday 4th December 2021. Just consider yourself the Santa of small businesses!

Why Shop Local?

It has never been more important to shop small 2021. Since the Covid pandemic struck, it has been particularly challenging for everyone, especially small business owners.

The good news, however, is that there's plenty of ways you can support small businesses, from showing your support online and leaving feedback, to choosing to shop with a small business UK.

How does Small Business Saturday work?

This is a community event encouraging shoppers to buy goods from independent retailers and businesses, like ours. You can also lend your support, by sharing the message to shop small and by leaving positive feedback for small businesses on Google, as well as Amazon and other marketplaces.

It's a conscious choice by consumers to support small businesses, particularly at this time of year.

Six ways you can support small businesses in 2021.

1. Shop Online Locally

Many small businesses have websites where you can buy direct, like our kids' plates for instance. Now is a great time to support your local small business online. You can find many others on social media using the hashtag #campaignshopindependent.

You may be surprised to know that a number of small business (ourselves included) are on Amazon too, so don't be afraid to use the website for shopping.

2. Hit the High Street

Visit your local high-street and support the independent gift shops and retailers. It's never too late to get a little something to use as a stocking filler or for your Christmas Eve Box - it's never too late to start! Every sale counts and makes a difference.

3. Attend the Gifted Small Business Market Online

There's always plenty of great events going on to support small businesses. Enterprise Nation often host events. You can keep up to date at their GIFTED website.

4. Follow Small Business Supporters

There's plenty of communities out there supporting start-ups, two of the best that have supported us include: Holly Tucker (follow @hollytucker) from NOTHS and Holly & Co. The other is Theo Paphitis and his amazing Small Business Sunday event, which we won last year. Follow #SBS on Twitter along with @thesbs_crew

5. Leave Feedback

You've seen the Google TV advert, and it's so true. Leaving a google review for a small business, can mean so much and help with conversions. So, even if you can't financially support your local high-street, you can always do good by leaving a positive review. That also applies to Amazon, Faire and other market places you buy on. Wherever you can, please try and leave a positive review, as a small business owner, I can tell you it means the world to read them, thank you!

6. Be sure to share

It goes without saying. If you love a small business, know a small business, or want to support a small business online, share their brand with your friends. Here's how:

• Tweet about them to your followers (no matter how small)
• Share a post from the small business in your Instagram feed or Stories
• LIKE their Facebook page and share it with your friends
• Sign up to their website newsletter
• Tell a friend, be it through email, WhatsApp or good old fashioned text!

Thank you again for supporting small businesses, it means a lot to all of us... now come follow us on Instagram!