Small Business Saturday UK roadshow coming to Durham
The Small Business Saturday UK roadshow be in Durham on Tuesday, November 11, as part of a month-long tour across the country to promote independent businesses and the people behind them.
The campaign encourages consumers to shop small and support businesses in their communities.
Michelle Ovens CBE, director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: “We are so excited to be visiting small businesses in Durham and all across the UK with this yearβs tour, leading up to Small Business Saturday on 6 December.
“This yearβs campaign is all about shining a light on the nationβs favourite businesses, full of creativity, resilience, and heart that make them the backbone of local communities like Durham.
“We canβt wait to share their incredible stories and celebrate their impact.”
The touring team will visit and promote independent businesses in Durham through social media, behind-the-scenes content, and live demonstrations.
Among those set to be featured are Tin of Sardines, the cityβs smallest gin bar, bespoke jeweller Moon, and independent bookshop Collected.
The tour is supported by BT and will cover more than 20 locations across the UK throughout November, including Manchester, Grimsby, and Derby.
Small business owners in Durham and beyond are also invited to take part in a wider programme of free online support during the month, including daily workshops, mentoring, and events featuring industry experts.
The roadshow also includes a weekly Small Business Happy Hour on Instagram, offering giveaways from businesses around the country.
Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer, UK Business, at BT, said: “Small businesses are vital to the UK economy, and giving entrepreneurs the right support and guidance is crucial to their success.
“The tour provides a valuable opportunity to connect directly with small businesses across the country, offering tailored guidance and practical resources to help them grow and adapt.
“Itβs a powerful initiative that brings businesses together to drive innovation, strengthen local communities, and build a more resilient economy.”
Backed by principal supporter American Express, Small Business Saturday UK has been running since 2013 and has engaged millions of consumers and seen billions of pounds spent with small businesses.
The impact of the campaign is felt throughout the year, not just on the day itself.
On Small Business Saturday, which falls on December 6 this year, consumers are encouraged to support small businesses of all kinds, whether online, on the high street, or in offices.
Many businesses will mark the day with special promotions and events.
The roadshow team will travel in branded electric vehicles to highlight the growing focus on sustainability within the small business community.
Businesses and supporters can follow the tourβs progress on Instagram at @SmallBizSatUK.
Small businesses can also access free resources and get involved in the campaign by visiting the Small Business Saturday website.
Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign designed to celebrate and support small business success nationwide.
It aims to raise awareness of the contribution small businesses make to the economy and encourage people to shop locally not just on the day, but all year round.