Are you a family business, independent retailer, online business, wholesaler, business service or small manufacturer? If so, you don’t want to miss the 10th anniversary Small Business Saturday UK tour and its packed schedule of content and support.
In the current economic climate, there has never been a better time to make the most of the support, networking and promotional opportunities provided by Small Business Saturday UK – the campaign known for shining a spotlight on small firms. Small Business Saturday itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign’s impact lasts all year round. As well as celebrating small business success and encouraging consumers to shop local and support businesses in their communities, the grassroots, non-commercial initiative includes an annual UK tour.
The Tour 2022
This autumn will see Small Business Saturday UK embark on a special anniversary tour across the UK to mark a decade of the campaign. Supported by BT, The Tour’s fleet of electric and zero-emissions vehicles will visit 23 towns and cities, kicking off in Glasgow on 31 October. It will then move on to visit small firms in locations such as Fife, York, Cardiff and Padstow throughout November, before finishing in London ready for the run-up to Small Business Saturday on 3 December.
“Small Business Saturday has always been about supporting and celebrating the UK’s fantastic entrepreneurs, and never has this been more important as they face a barrage of challenges this winter,” says Michelle Ovens CBE, director of Small Business Saturday UK. “We can’t wait to get back on the road with The Tour to spotlight these brilliant and unique small businesses, whilst also offering them vital support both in-person and online.”
The Tour will feature a daily schedule of activities
This includes visits to inspiring small businesses and live interviews with business owners and local leaders streamed via Instagram (@smallbizsatuk). There will also be free one-to-one mentoring sessions, with business experts on hand to offer individual help and advice. Virtual mentoring sessions can also be booked via The Tour 2022 tab of Small Business Saturday UK’s website. Other highlights include free workshops on useful topics ranging from boosting sales and digital marketing to time and money management, and the small business Happy Hour live series, which will bring a daily dose of positivity as well as the chance to win prizes from small businesses in the local areas the campaign is visiting.
“Once again, small businesses are facing another challenging year and are having to think strategically to succeed,” says Chris Sims, BT’s managing director for its SoHo (Single/Small office, Home office) unit. “Earlier this year BT launched a new customer Charter with a commitment to step up free digital skills training for small businesses. Working with partners such as Small Business Saturday on initiatives like The Tour is an important route to deliver this. It’s a brilliant way for small businesses across the country to gain support in digital skills and grow their capability for the future. We’re delighted to be supporting The Tour again this year.”
The Tour dates
Monday 31 October – Glasgow
Tuesday 1 November – Fife
Wednesday 2 November – Edinburgh
Thursday 3 November – Belfast
Friday 4 November – Wirral
Monday 7 November – Manchester
Tuesday 8 November – Helmsley
Wednesday 9 November – York
Thursday 10 November – Grimsby
Friday 11 November – Derby
Monday 15 November – Cambridge
Tuesday 16 November – Birmingham
Wednesday 17 November – Hereford
Thursday 18 November – Merthyr Tydfil
Friday 19 November – Cardiff
Monday 22 November – Padstow
Tuesday 23 November – Exeter
Wednesday 24 November – Southampton
Thursday 25 November – Brighton
Friday 26 November – Leighton Buzzard
Monday 29 November – Walthamstow
Tuesday 30 November – Aldgate
Wednesday 1 December – Brixton
SmallBiz100
Alongside The Tour, Small Business Saturday UK will be highlighting 100 inspiring small businesses − one a day for 100 days – in the lead-up to Small Business Saturday on 3 December 2022. For the last nine years, the 100 have not only received exposure on Small Business Saturday’s social media channels and in the local and national press, but also joined the Small Business Saturday team in London at receptions in both Downing Street and The Treasury Drum with the Chancellor of the Exchequer. CWB speaks to two SmallBiz100 alumni to learn more.
Charlotte Khan, founder, Moo Like a Monkey
Part of 2020’s SmallBiz100, Charlotte Khan is founder of Moo Like a Monkey, a family-run, design-led, eco-conscious children’s Shop. Via an online store and bricks and mortar shop in Folkestone, Moo Like a Monkey offers a range of eco-conscious children’s clothes, books and toys.
Commenting on the benefits of being part of SmallBiz100, Khan says, “Initially the recognition and validation encouraged a change in my mindset as a business owner. It was a real boost; I felt I was doing something right and my hard work was paying off. I started operating the business with renewed confidence.
“The social media attention was also great, we were able to reach a larger audience, but I think the publicity opportunities have made the biggest difference to the business. Each appearance in national press and TV, however small, had the effect of increasing our reach and showcasing our brand values. All the publicity opportunities are directly organised by the SmallBiz100 team.”
This year Khan will be following and enjoying The Tour via Instagram alongside plenty of social media support.
Priya Velusami, founder, Pri Pri
Celebrated by the 2021 SmallBiz100 campaign, Priya Velusami’s sustainable brand serves those who love colour, style and sustainability, offering a collection of colourful, upcycled kidswear and accessories made from pre-loved vintage saris.
“Pri Pri is based on early memories of sewing with my sari-clad grandmother who instilled zero waste values in me,” says Velusami. “Whilst I initially made all the products myself, I have now partnered with a charity in India to help make up my designs − an organisation that helps to upskill and empower underprivileged women with training in tailoring. I love being able to revive beautiful, colourful textiles while also helping people and the planet.
“Being chosen as one of 100 small businesses from across the UK to mark the official countdown to Small Business Saturday 2021 was a real honour and confidence boost for myself and the business. It also enabled me to connect with several other business founders who were part of the SmallBiz100 along with previous alumni, giving me access to a huge network. I celebrated my SmallBiz100 day by compiling a ‘Guide to Local and Sustainable Gifting’ businesses, thereby connecting with many local and like-minded businesses. I was also featured in local press and radio.”
Velusami will be promoting the 2022 campaign and this year’s SmallBiz100 in the run-up to Small Business Saturday. She will also be celebrating with a promotion on the day to encourage customers to shop independent. Last year, Velusami donated 10% of sales to the women’s charity in India that she partners with and hopes to do something similar this year.
For further information on Small Business Saturday UK, please click here.
