On Saturday 7th December the UK will celebrate the first ever Small Business Saturday.

Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity for small, independent businesses to promote themselves and generate new trade.

Businesses throughout the UK at grass roots level will be joining the campaign to get themselves recognised by showcasing their goods at local events, working in conjunction with local media and through social media too.

The campaign also involves small business organisations who are promoting the day to their members, clients and even supply chains. there's a whole variety of things happening with some planning healthchecks, clinics, online advice and even special offers.

So why is Small Business Saturday important?
It's important because small busineses really do matter, we often find unique products and services from the smaller businesses on our high streets, receive a far better service and knowledge and see a strong passion for what they do. As a community we should see the importance of supporting the local business community rather than the "fat cat" retailers.

Our 4.8 million small businesses throughout the UK employ over 14 million people. Small Business Saturday aims to raise their profile in a bid to engage more people in the pastime of "buying local" and we should all be proud to be a part of it!

Bury Council are supporting Small Business Saturday and if on Twitter you may have seen tweets from @TownCentresTeam @RammyBusinesses and @VisitWhitefield. The hope is that other area's in Bury will get involved. Ruth and the Town Centres Team are interested in finding out about any of our independent retailers that may be staging in-store events for 7th December; if they are, then these events will be tweeted/supported through relevant social media streams including the above and below and our plasma screens in Council buildings.

Support Small Business Saturday and keep the local economy and small businesses thriving!

For more information please contact:

Ruth Shedwick
Senior planning officer (Town Centre Business Support)

Tel: 0161 253 5327 Mobile: 07768 710 719 www.bury.gov.uk/towncentres

You can also follow the Town Centres Team on Facebook