The Scotsman

Small Business Saturday ‘crucial day yet’

- By SCOTT REID

Today’s Small Business Saturday has been described as the “most crucial ever” as business owners up and down Scotland tackle soaring energy bills, a consumer spending squeeze and the onset of recession.

As the campaign gears up to celebrate ten years in the UK, new data has revealed just how toughthecu­rrentecono­micclimate is proving for small businesses. According to research from the campaign’s main supporter, American Express, 66 per cent of the UK’S small businesses see rising costs as the biggest challenge to running their business over the next six months, with 61 per cent citing the rising cost of energy and half pointing to economic uncertaint­y. Some 69 per cent are continuing to diversify their business to respond to the current crisis, after 72 per cent did sointheimm­ediatewake­ofthe pandemic.

Michelle Ovens, director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: “Small businesses are the life and soul of our economy, society, and communitie­s. But with everything they have been through, many are now really findingthi­ngstoughas­economic conditions worsen.”

On Small Business Saturday, consumers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, both online andinbrick­s-and-mortarstor­es – from independen­t shops and restaurant­stosmallse­rviceand business-to-business outfits such as accountant­s and digital marketeers. Many small businesses­celebratet­hedaybyhos­tingevents,offeringpr­omotions and collaborat­ing with other small businesses.

Laura Paterson, owner of Glasgow-based small candle and gift maker Earth, Mother & Soul, said: “It’s really important that we celebrate small businesses and shop locally.”

 ?? ?? Laura Paterson is celebratin­g the event
Laura Paterson is celebratin­g the event

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