A nationwide campaign encouraging consumers to support local businesses has generated more than £12.5 million in revenue for independent firms, highlighting the continued importance of local shopping to communities and the wider economy.
Organisers of the inaugural UK Small Business Week, held from 1-7 June, said the campaign resulted in more than 250,000 purchases and 30,000 customer reviews after attracting participation from over 10,000 businesses across the country.
Launched by entrepreneur Nigel Botterill and backed by Entrepreneurs Circle, the initiative aimed to encourage consumers to consciously choose independent businesses and recognise their contribution to local high streets and local economies.
During the week, participating businesses ran customer appreciation events, promoted their stories, collected reviews and encouraged shoppers to buy local. Organisers said the campaign's first 1,000 support packs sold out within 48 hours of launch, reflecting strong interest from small firms.
Botterill said the results demonstrated both consumer willingness to support independent businesses and the impact that local spending can have.
"When we launched UK Small Business Week, the message was simple. If we want thriving town centres, vibrant communities and a stronger economy, we need to back the small businesses that make them possible," he said.
"The response has been incredible. More than 10,000 businesses got involved. Customers made over 250,000 purchases. More than 30,000 reviews were left. Together, that generated over £12.5 million in revenue for independent businesses."
He added that the most significant outcome was the number of consumers who actively chose to support local firms.
"It's the number of people who made a conscious decision to support a local business. That proves the appetite is there," he said.
According to organisers, participating businesses reported a range of benefits, from increased sales and new customer acquisition to stronger community engagement and improved online reputations through customer reviews.
"Small businesses don't need sympathy. They need support," Botterill said. "They need customers choosing them, recommending them, reviewing them and telling others about them. When small businesses thrive, Britain thrives."
The campaign's success has prompted plans for UK Small Business Week to return in 2027, with organisers aiming to expand its reach and encourage consumers to continue supporting local firms throughout the year.
"We've shown what's possible when Britain gets behind small business. Next year, we'll be back and we intend to make it even bigger," Botterill said.