The countdown to Small Business Saturday UK 2013 is on…

By Matthew Thompson | 13th November 2013 | 7 min read

Small Business Saturday is coming to the UK for the first time this year, on 7th December 2013, offering small businesses a great opportunity to promote themselves and generate trade.

Small Business Saturday is a grass roots campaign aimed at encouraging people to support small businesses in their community by “shopping local”. The campaign began in America, where it is now an established commercial holiday alongside Black Friday and Cyber Monday. In 2012 Small Business Saturday generated $5.5 billion in sales in America.

The UK event is being coordinated by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills and various small businesses have already signed up, planning special offers, events and joint marketing with local media.

The event is being supported and promoted by local authorities, banks, big businesses and other organisations. American Express, who have been a sponsor of the event in America, have also got involved in implementing the campaign in the UK.

Brand communications director Melissa Weber commented: “We’re excited that Small Business Saturday has made it to British shores and are delighted to be part of an initiative that celebrates the contribution small businesses make to our economy and local communities.”

Small Business Saturday is being promoted via Facebook, Twitter and the official campaign website, where small businesses can sign up and download a free starter pack.

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