Why Small Business Saturday is so important in Lincolnshire
Small Business Saturday is an important reminder for the community of Lincolnshire to shop local and support independent producers and sellers who are “the heart and soul of destinations”.
The non-commercial campaign says it “highlights small business success and encourages customers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities”.
Small Business Saturday takes place on the first Saturday in December each year so the 2024 event will be on December 7. Many small businesses take part in the day by hosting events and offering discounts.
Josie Rossington is the owner of independent gift shop Follie, which recently celebrated 20 years of trading in Lincoln’s Bailgate.
She said: “Small businesses are the heart of our city, bringing diversity, creativity and a unique charm that larger shops often can’t replicate.
“They enrich the local community and by supporting them we help to preserve the distinctive character of our neighbourhoods as well as sustaining the local economy.”
Nicola Lockwood is the owner of Bells Tea Shop on Steep Hill, as well as being the Chair of the Bailgate Area Guild.
She said: “It is a good opportunity to remind people that in Lincoln we are blessed with dozens of small independent businesses which makes us stand apart from other destinations and provides hundreds of jobs for the local economy.”
Supporting small businesses is vital not just in Lincoln, but across the county.
Elizabeth Hunt is the resident jeweller, and marketing and publicity manager, at Fulbeck Craft Centre near Grantham.
There has been a craft centre in the Stables at Fulbeck Manor for over 30 years.
Two years ago it was refurbished and relaunched as Fulbeck Craft Centre. In 2024 further renovations were made to extend the Mad Hatters Tearoom and introduce The Craft Room.
Elizabeth explained that the ethos of the Centre is about “responsibility, sustainability, fair trade and offering products that don’t impact the planet too much, whilst remaining creative and exciting”.
She said: “For us at the Craft Centre, me as a jeweller, and the shop there, it is important to encourage people not to rack up too many miles shopping when they can shop local and get a really good selection.
“We support a lot of craft people in the area so it is important that if people want to see a product, which is different and not mass imported from abroad, that they support local businesses that sell that type of product.
“We offer a wider range of handmade products that you’ll not find on the main high street or from online shopping.
“If people want to see innovation and creativity it is important to shop with small independent producers and sellers.
“We also offer things that aren’t necessarily easy to find and make sure the suppliers we use hit a set criteria. It’s the perfect place to come and shop.”
The Old Coach House at the Centre will be offering a 20% discount on the Saturday.
Uncle Henry’s near Gainsborough, which is owned by the Ward family, has an award-winning farm shop, butchery and café and is a fun day out for the whole family.
Emma Blandford, Director at Uncle Henry’s said: “Small Business Saturday is such an important event for independent shops like ours, particularly at this busiest time of year when we have our wonderful Christmas products in stock.
“Shopping local this Christmas, not only supports small businesses ensuring businesses’ sustainability but also supports the wider local community ensuring local job opportunities and places for local people to visit now and into the future.”
Charlotte Goy, Chief Executive at Destination Lincolnshire, said: “Small businesses are the heart and soul of destinations.
“Across Lincolnshire it is our small businesses working in tourism, retail, hospitality and leisure who underpin the overall experience that visitors have.
“It is a privilege to work with so many. They are doing a brilliant job and national campaigns like Small Business Saturday highlights how they are the backbone of England’s economy”.