A nationwide search for the UK’s 100 most inspiring small businesses has begun to mark the 10-year anniversary of Small Business Saturday UK.
Organisers are calling on brilliant small businesses from across the country to apply to be featured in this year’s SmallBiz100, which showcases the best of Britain’s vibrant small business community as part of Small Business Saturday’s official countdown.
Now in its tenth year in the UK, Small Business Saturday will return on 3 December 2022 for an extra special extravaganza celebrating small business success and encouraging consumers to shop small and support local businesses.
“Small Business Saturday is all about shining a light on the UK’s fabulous small businesses and the extraordinary contribution they make to the UK and our local areas,” says director Michelle Ovens CBE.
“We are excited to be showcasing more incredible small businesses from all over the country again this year as we mark this amazing ten-year milestone. So, if you run an exciting small firm that brings something special to the community, we want to hear from you!”
Shoppers are encouraged to support all types of small businesses on Small Business Saturday – from independent shops and restaurants to B2B businesses like accountants and digital marketeers. Many small businesses take an active role in promoting the day by hosting events and offering special promotions.
The iconic campaign, which was originally founded by American Express in the US in 2010, attracts huge attention with an impact that lasts all year. In 2021 Small Business Saturday trended at number one in the UK on Twitter with the Prime Minister, leader of the opposition and the Mayor of London publicly supporting the campaign. Over 90 per cent of local councils also supported the campaign.
Dan Edelman, general manager for UK merchant services at American Express, comments: “We’re proud to champion the nation’s small businesses through Small Business Saturday as well as our upcoming Shop Small campaign, which incentivises our Cardmembers to spend with local independent venues, right across the country. Now more than ever they need our support so we’re looking forward to celebrating the tenth anniversary of this vital campaign by helping to shine a spotlight on small businesses and the dedicated people running them.”
Over 1,000 small businesses have been featured in its SmallBiz100 since it started in 2013, with firms from virtually all places and sectors represented. For a chance to be featured on this year’s list click here. Applications close on Thursday 30 June 2022.