LOCAL business owners and consumers from across the local Council area are being encouraged to play an active role in the UK’s most successful small business initiative when its bus tour stops in Strabane next month.
‘Small Business Saturday’ has achieved significant increases in SME spending since its inception three years ago by encouraging consumers from all over the country to shop small on the first Saturday in December.
The bus tour, which make 29 stops around the UK to promote the event, will arrive in Abercorn Square on Thursday 27th October and local businesses can get involved by exhibiting their services and providing workshops to the public.
Economic Development Manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Susan Doherty, encouraged local business people to embrace the initiative by playing an active role when the bus arrives next month.
“These are uncertain times for our smaller companies but this is an opportunity for consumers and business owners to make a big difference,” she said.
“On Saturday December 3rd consumers will be encouraged to use the smaller, locally owned businesses near them for services that they may normally use larger, multinational companies for.
“By showcasing your services at Abercorn Square through demonstrations and presentations it’s a perfect opportunity to highlight the alternative options that exist locally.”
The Small Business Saturday bus has been expertly refitted to accomodate presentations to groups of up to 35 people and can also be tailored for more intimate meetings.
Pop up tables and some gazebos are also available to exhibit to the public from the outside.
Small Business Saturday Project Manager Tom Flynn will be travelling in the bus for the five week tour that includes three stops in Northern Ireland.
“We want all kinds of small businesses to get involved,” he said.
“Whether you are a family business, local shop, online business, wholesaler, business service or small manufacturer, Small Business Saturday is supporting you.
“The bus tour is a very visible way for us to meet small businesses around the UK and show them how they can become involved as well as drumming up consumer interest, support and enthusiasm.
“Last year an estimated £623 million was spent with small businesses across the UK on the day – up £119 million on last year and an increase in spending of 24%.
“The day itself also generated huge buzz on social media with Small Business Saturday trending at number one on Twitter.”
Local businesses can learn more about providing workshops or register to get involved by e mailing Tom at[email protected]
Logos, digital banners, a social media guide and toolkits are available to download from the website www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com and can be displayed online or on premises.
Businesses around the country can also upload information to the ‘My Small Business Finder’ on the website www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com detailing special events or promotional offers they will be running on December 3rd.
More information can also be found on the Facebook page smallbusinesssaturdayuk and Twitter feed @SmallBizSatUk.
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