A UK-wide roadshow celebrating the nation’s favourite small businesses kicks off today (3 November), marking the start of the countdown to Small Business Saturday on 6 December.
The month-long ‘Tour’ will shine a light on the real people, passion, and creativity behind the UK’s 5.6 million local small firms, celebrating their critical contribution to the economy, society and communities.
The Small Business Saturday Tour kicks off in Lossiemouth in the Northeast of Scotland today and will then go on to spotlight inspiring small businesses in Aberdeenshire, Edinburgh, Belfast and Preston this week.
The roadshow will ultimately travel over 3,000 miles across the UK, visiting over 20 towns and cities including Manchester, Durham, Carlisle, Derby, Grimsby, Wrexham, Hereford, Newport, Plymouth, Salisbury, Cambridge, and London.
Supported by BT, the roadshow will profile a diverse range of small businesses, through visits to a Preston based brew bar, Townhouse Coffee, a luxury chocolate shop, Castle Chocolates, in the Lake District, and Black Axe Throwing in Northern Ireland.
Fascinating stories of local entrepreneurs at the heart of their communities will be shared across social media, alongside a range of top-tips, behind-the-scenes tours and demonstrations.
Gordon Gibson, owner of Action Records in Preston said: “We’re thrilled to be part of Small Business Saturday and to welcome the team to Preston. Our business is all about bringing joy to customers while supporting our local economy, from sourcing products from nearby traders to hosting events that draw people into the city centre. It’s fantastic to see this campaign shining a spotlight on the amazing small businesses that keep communities thriving.”
Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign that celebrates small businesses and encourages consumers to support and spend with small firms.
Backed by principal supporter American Express, the campaign has been running for over a decade since 2013. Over this time it has engaged millions of people and seen billions of pounds spent with small businesses across the UK on Small Business Saturday, with an impact that lasts all year round.
Alongside the roadshow, Small Business Saturday is offering small businesses all over the UK a month of dedicated, free online business support, including webinars on a wide range of small business topics, as well as mentoring from business experts.
“We are excited to be visiting the nation’s favourite businesses across the UK as part of this year’s Tour, leading up to Small Business Saturday on 6 December,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday.
“The Tour is a celebration of the phenomenal small businesses across the country that make up the heart of our communities. As we see renewed optimism from small businesses, underlined by the positive growth in the small business population, we want to showcase their inspiring stories and encourage everyone to support the small businesses that make the UK so vibrant.”
A Small Business Happy Hour on Instagram will also take place weekly, featuring giveaways from local businesses across the country.
“Small businesses are vital to the UK economy, and giving entrepreneurs the right support and guidance is crucial to their success,” said Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer, UK Business, at BT.
“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. It’s a powerful initiative that brings businesses together to drive innovation, strengthen local communities, and build a more resilient economy.”
The Small Business Saturday Tour team will travel across the UK in branded electric vehicles, reflecting the sustainable practices many small business owners are adopting in the race to net zero.
To follow The Tour’s journey visit @SmallBizSatUK on Instagram. Small businesses can head to the Small Business Saturday website to access free business support and get involved in the campaign.
Tour Dates
The Small Business Saturday tour will visit the following UK locations:
- Monday 3rd November Lossiemouth
- Tuesday 4th November Aberdeenshire
- Wednesday 5th November Edinburgh
- Thursday 6th November Belfast
- Friday 7th November Preston
- Monday 10th November Carlisle
- Tuesday 11th November Durham
- Wednesday 12th November Manchester
- Thursday 13th November Grimsby
- Friday 14th November Derby
- Monday 17th November Wrexham
- Tuesday 18th November Hereford
- Wednesday 19th November Newport
- Thursday 20th November Crediton
- Friday 21st November Plymouth
- Monday 24th November Salisbury
- Tuesday 25th November Brighton
- Wednesday 26th November Maidstone
- Thursday 27th November Leighton Buzzard
- Friday 28th November Cambridge
- Monday 1st December London
- Tuesday 2nd December London
- Wednesday 3rd December London