As Britain’s high streets prepare to return to life in time for Christmas, small business owners have been given tips for coping with a still uncertain winter.

This year’s Small Business Saturday – an annual celebration that encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ – couldn’t be better timed; with 5 December falling three days after the English national lockdown lifts.

Organisers have matched firms with experienced business mentors as well as providing free virtual workshops. This is in addition to live-streamed advice focusing on key tools to handle the impact of the pandemic. For instance, embracing online, diversifying, managing cash-flow and improving mindset and mental health.

Commenting is Michelle Ovens, director of Small Business Saturday UK. “Small businesses are facing a really hard winter and many don’t have much to fall back on.

 

 

“They need as much support as possible to power through, which is why we’ve teamed up with BT Skills for Tomorrow to offer virtual mentoring, workshops and advice to small businesses in the run-up to Small Business Saturday.

“This year’s campaign is more vital than ever. We’re encouraging all small businesses to join in and for the public to get behind them like never before.”

Now in its eighth year, Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, not-for-profit campaign that takes place in the run-up to Christmas.

 

 

Its nationwide virtual tour has been running for weeks, with a local focus on over 30 UK towns; everywhere from Edinburgh to York through to Belfast.

The campaign has a list of five top tips for small business owners that are struggling after national and localised lockdowns kept many customers at home.

1. Embrace new technology – Even if your business was completely face-to-face, there are digital alternatives that could help you continue during lockdown. Spend some time learning new digital skills and adopting the right tools to help you reach customers through new channels.
2. Keep in touch with your customers – Update them on how your business is adapting and new things you are offering. If you have had to close or pause operations, make sure you stay in touch and stay relevant.
3. Protect your cashflow – Review all your outgoings. Focus on keeping costs as low and flexible as possible with a limited number of big outgoings. Keep in touch with your suppliers to see how you might manage payments.
4. Continue to diversify – Keep pivoting your business model to continue trading as the world carries on changing. Don’t rely on one product or market; think about alternative services you can offer that haven’t been hit by Covid-19 or have thrived during lockdown.
5. Make the most of Small Business Saturday – Taking place on 5 December, this nationwide campaign encourages people to celebrate and support small businesses and to shop local on the day itself, as well as the run-up and beyond. All small businesses can participate by running promotions, getting listed on the Small Business Finder, and downloading marketing materials via its website.

Click here for further information on Small Business Saturday.