Small Business Saturday UK bus tour heading for Plymouth
Plymouth will be the penultimate destination on a nationwide bus tour to promote the UK’s first ever Small Business Saturday when it arrives in the city on Thursday 5 December.
Championed in the UK by Chuka Umunna, the Shadow Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills, and supported by the Prime Minister, the Business Secretary Vince Cable and the Minister for Skills Matthew Hancock, this non-political campaign highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses.
Council Leader Tudor Evans said: “Plymouth is working extremely hard to encourage small and micro businesses to get off the ground as they have a hugely important role to play if this city is to prosper.
“This year we have launched our Plan for Jobs, the 1000 Club, which allows keen young people to get vital work experience and jobs in companies in and around Plymouth and we’ve relaunched the Urban Enterprise programme with the help of European Regional Development Fund to kick-start business and in turn, a sense of confidence in some of our more deprived areas.
“We’ve also just launched Plymouth Your Space – which aims to inspire people or organisations to use sites on a temporary basis to try out business ideas. It’s important that small businesses network and exchange ideas. This is what this event is all about.”
Stefan Krause, Plymouth City Centre Manager said: “This is a perfect event to promote Plymouth’s small businesses who are making our city centre unique and distinctive as a shopping destination. I am very keen to take up any opportunity to support small businesses in the City Centre.”
Sarah O’Leary, Plymouth Waterfront Manager said: “Plymouth Waterfront Partnership is supporting this event to highlight just how important small businesses are to our economy and community. I hope our independents’ will be able to join us.”
From Plymouth, the Small Business Saturday UK bus will then be heading to London in time for the main event on Saturday 7 December.
Lesley Shorrocks, Plymouth Chair, Federation of Small Businesses said: “This kind of national initiative is most welcome, as the campaign highlights the diversity and individuality that small retailers and independent businesses can bring to the high street. In Plymouth we have all kinds of niche, specialist businesses which enhance the city’s retail and service offer, making it a little bit special and many shoppers really appreciate the chance to buy something that little bit different. it’s a good idea to encourage them to take the time to seek out the smaller retailer.”
David Parlby, Chief Executive of Plymouth Chamber of Commerce said: “Supporting small businesses is vital for the continued growth of our local economy. The Chamber of Commerce supports this scheme to reflect on the positive achievements of our many small business members across Plymouth and the South West. I hope that the event is a success and encourages our local population to support the small, independent businesses in our region.”
The Small Business Saturday UK initiative has attracted the support of leading business organisations including the Association of City and Town Management, Federation of Small Businesses, Association of Convenience Stores, Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association and Ingenious Britain, as well as corporates like American Express, O2, Make It Cheaper and prominent entrepreneurs James Caan. Piers Linney and Martha Lane Fox.
American Express founded the hugely successful ‘Small Business Saturday’ initiative in the U.S. in 2010 and is an active supporter of the programme in the UK, as part of its on-going commitment to encourage consumers to shop small.
More information on Small Business Saturday, participating retailers and details on promotions and incentives to 'shop locally’ can be found on the Small Business Saturday Facebook page, on Twitter @SmallBizSatUk or the website www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com
