Fourteen small businesses representing the UK’s “Northern Powerhouse” showcased their products and services at a special Christmas street fair staged in The Treasury’s Internal Drum on Friday December 4th to mark the UK’s third Small Business Saturday.
A further 100 small business owners from across the country joined these businesses at the Fair, which was attended by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne.
Small Business Saturday, a grassroots, not-for-profit campaign, places small, independent businesses in communities across the country in the national spotlight. Its aim is to prompt people to both spend money with small independent businesses in the run-up to Christmas and also create a mind-set to support them all year round.
The focus on small businesses from the “Northern Powerhouse” is part of a Government initiative to boost economic growth in the North of England. The programme aims to rebalance the UK economy away from London and the South East.
The Chancellor, George Osborne, commented:
“Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity to champion some of the brilliant entrepreneurs and firms we have in this country and make sure everyone is aware of the powerful role they play. I encourage everyone to go out and support their local businesses this weekend.”
“Small Business Saturday has become an exceptional example of collaboration and co-operation with small businesses teaming up in communities around the UK,” explains Campaign Director Michelle Ovens.
“We aim to showcase the level of diversity, innovation and talent that is active within our small business sector. Small Business Saturday works towards persuading people to get out and support their friends, neighbours and family members and reinforce local communities and economies.”
The campaign benefits from the backing of leading business organisations including the Federation of Small Businesses. American Express was the founder of the campaign in the US and is the principal supporter of Small Business Saturday UK, as part of its on-going commitment to encourage consumers to shop small.
More information on Small Business Saturday can be found on the Small Business Saturday Facebook page, Twitter feed and website: www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com