The UK’s eighth annual Small Business Saturday took place on December 5 when 15.4 million people hit the high street and the average per person spend rose by 56 per cent year-on-year. A record spend of £1.1 billion was placed with small businesses.
Over 250 small business organisations supported the nationwide initiative, including the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and the Mayor of London. The legendary hashtag #SmallBusinessSaturday was trending throughout the day on Twitter
The Director of Small Business Saturday, Michelle Ovens MBE, said: “It is fantastic to see such phenomenal, record-breaking support for small businesses, in one of the toughest years many have ever experienced. Small Business Saturday has been running for eight years, but this year’s campaign has been our most vital. We are delighted that it’s generated such a massive boost for small businesses, at a time they are facing huge challenges with the ongoing effects of the pandemic.
“I have no doubt that this strong support for small businesses has been driven by recognition of the critical role they played in our communities during lockdown. So many firms worked hard to pivot and adapt their businesses during this national emergency, often stepping in to offer useful services, vital products, as well as being a source of practical support and kindness, particularly for the NHS and frontline workers.
“While there is light at the end of the tunnel for 2021, with a vaccine, this winter is still going to be tough for many small businesses and it’s so important that we all continue to support them. This year Small Business Saturday is not just about one day, but all of the small actions that individuals can do across the winter to add up to one big impact.”
