Shoppers urged to go local for ‘Small Business Saturday’ this weekend

Aneta Bak-Ford at The Little Westagte Florist. Picture Scott Merrylees

The grassroots campaign, which is staged on the first Saturday in December in the UK, encourages people to go out and support all types of small businesses. Whether they are online, in offices or in stores.

The UK campaign is trying to think big to give high street tills a boost throughout the festive period.

The removal of lockdown restrictions after Wednesday, December 2 means that Small Business Saturday on Saturday, December 5, will be the first of three Saturdays to champion local shops and within our communities.

City centre streets in Wakefield are all but deserted on what should be one of the busiest Saturdays of the year in the run up to Christmas. Picture Scott Merrylees

Now in its eighth year, Small Business Saturday UK last year saw an estimated £800 million spent in small businesses by a record 17.6 million customers.

The leader of Wakefield Council, Coun Denise Jeffery backed the campaign.

She said: “We all need to support our small businesses and to shop local. I love shopping in independent businesses because of the great choice of items that can’t be found elsewhere.

“This year with many retailers and businesses facing the many challenges of Covid-19, I’d urge everyone to give them their custom and support to local businesses, to support Small Business Saturday and to continue this support – as we all recognise that Christmas is the most important time for retailers.”

From high streets to markets there are countless businesses that need support.

Companies have stepped in to use their expertise to help other business.

Dark Cherry Creative, a company that provides websites, design and marketing, is going to create and donate a website to a deserving business.

Marketing director Richard Mansfield, from Horbury, said it would give a business a professional look and a place to showcase what they do.

He said: “It is something we just wanted to give back to help a small business to push on.

“We are seeing doors being closed on business that shouldn’t have be closed. They want to stay in touch with clients.

“If anyone knows someone suitable then tag them on our Facebook page.

“If you believe you qualify then submit yourself with a bit of background so we make sure it goes to someone who needs it.”

The winner will be announced on December 11 on Facebook.

And the pandemic hasn’t stood in the way of new businesses open.

The Little Westgate Flower Shop in Wakefield city centre has been taken by Aneta Bak-Ford and husband Neil.

Though the lease was signed on November 20 this is the business’ first week on the high street.

The shop is selling Christmas wreathes and crafts as well as flower arrangements in the run up to the festive period.

Backing Small Business Saturday, the Federation of Small Businesses and British Independent Retailers Association continue to encourage customers to “stay local, shop local”.

Federation of Small Businesses national chair Mike Cherry emphasised: “It’s never been more important to support your local firms and, by extension, the community in which you live”.