Let’s celebrate Small Business Saturday
In Rutherglen, Cambuslang and Halfway we have a range of small and independent businesses who play an important part in our local economy.
From shops and services through to specialised supply chain companies serving big manufacturers, the range and diversity of our local small business base is impressive.
Smaller businesses have had a tough time over the last few years, but they make an important contribution to our economy, helping to keep town centres going, adding to the local character and also providing a key source of jobs.
Opticians, butchers, cafes, pharmacists and many others demonstrate the value of getting behind our local shops and firms as part of this year’s Small Business Saturday.
The idea of ‘Small Business Saturday’ comes from the USA. Last year, as Christmas retailing took root at the start of December, Labour helped bring the idea to the UK and a movement was born.
Small Business Saturday is a grass-roots campaign that encourages people to shop locally and support small and independent businesses in the local community and is a nonparty, non-political exercise.
Last year was the first time it took place. It was the largest celebration of small business the country had seen. Nearly half of consumers who knew about the day made purchases because of it and almost £500m of extra trade went to small firms.
It also helped local small businesses link together, championed their vital role in local communities and created a buzz about entrepreneurship and people starting out.
That’s why I’ll be celebrating Small Business Saturday on Saturday, December 6, between my regular surgeries, shopping at and visiting local small firms.
The weekend after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it is good to remember that while shopping online and out-oftown is popular, local shops are often exemplary in terms of customer service and the quality of products on offer.
This year I’ll be working with small and independent businesses in Rutherglen, Cambuslang and Halfway to highlight their contribution to