Lockdown has boosted the nation's love of small businesses

by Startacus Admin
The nation's love of small businesses is growing - good news for the forthcoming Small Business Saturday on December 5th
Some good news today with the revelation that the Coronavirus lockdowns have boosted the nation’s love for UK small businesses, with 59 per cent of people saying they now support local businesses more than previously.
Research, commissioned by American Express and Small Business Saturday UK, underscores the huge role small firms have played in supporting their communities through lockdown, with many pivoting to offer people new products and services such as deliveries, takeaways and virtual consultations.
This has led to a big rise in public support, with more than a third of people also saying they will continue their backing in the same way as they did before Covid-19, despite the recession.
This surge in affection will be vital for Small Business Saturday, which takes place on December 5. A grassroots, non-commercial campaign, it celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local’ to support their communities.
“This crisis has brought home just how much small firms are at the heart of our communities," said Michelle Ovens, director of Small Business Saturday.
“They have been there for customers and shown strength, determination and agility in coping. It’s no wonder that support for Britain’s small businesses is rocketing. It’s vital we continue to support small businesses as this crisis continues, which is why we are determined to make this year’s campaign the most impactful ever.”
Now in its eighth year in the UK, Small Business Saturday has grown significantly each year with an estimated £800m spent in small businesses across the UK on the day last year, with a record turnout of 17.6 million people choosing to shop local that day alone.
Small Business Saturday was originally founded by American Express in the US in 2010, which remains the principal supporter of the campaign in the UK, as part of its avid championing of the UK high street and commitment to encourage consumers to shop small.
“Our local communities are richer and more vibrant for the presence of these independents and people across the UK are behind them like never before," said American Express' General Manager UK, Global Merchant and Network Services, Dan Edelman.
In the run up to Small Business Saturday UK, the campaign will kick off an online tour in November virtually visiting more than 33 towns and cities across the UK.
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
2021 may be a challenging time to start a business, but these tips should help you get it right...

Startacus and Hatch Enterprise celebrate International Women’s Day by partnering with NetMinds to bring together female founders for a virtual speed networking event

Keeping customers engaged is vital for any small business - these basic tips will help you do just that

Need a temporary space or structure for your startup? Here are a few of the key factors that you should consider

Realife Tech and Southampton FC launch new partnership to help transform current engagement with fans and provide safety-minded experience when stadiums reopen

Rob Edmonds, Founder and Creative Director at NRG Digital, shares his advice and tips on how to adapt your internal comms to keep your team engaged

The lowdown on Timekettle - the LA-based startup that has created the world's first bi-directional translation earbuds

Innovative, purpose-driven startups with a focus on sustainability wanted to join the latest cohort of Huckletree’s Alpha Programme

Uppbeat is an innovative music platform for content creators to find the perfect tracks for their videos, without any copyright issues or challenges

Planning to launch a new product? Fiona Bennington from Nuli Design shares insights and advice on what to consider, before you do just that
Published on: 30th October 2020
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Startacus and Hatch Enterprise offer speed networking IWD-inspired event 24th Feb 2021 Startacus and Hatch Enterprise celebrate International Women’s Day by partnering with NetMinds to bring together female founders for a virtual speed networking event
- Wombat lands £2m investment as appetite for thematic, fractional trading grows 9th Feb 2021 The innovative investment platform Wombat secures major funding to help with further development and to expand the shares and investments on offer
- TryTech Aims to Help London’s Disadvantaged Young People Develop Skills and Careers in Technology 9th Feb 2021 Innovative new platform, TryTech is launched aiming to provide young people with the skills, knowledge and support to secure knowledge-based roles in tech startups
- STEMS seeks to examine the diversity of STEM talent in NI 8th Feb 2021 Startacus & Matrix NI partner on STEMS, 3 interconnected events, exploring themes around AI and bias, STEM development in schools & the workplace, & tech growth & entrepreneurship