Published: November 28, 2024 | Updated: 28th November 2024
For a few weeks now, the Small Business Saturday campaign has been touring the UK, visiting and showcasing independent businesses across the country.
Having set off in the Scottish Highlands in early November and with 3,000 miles to cover, this week the roadshow came to Bournemouth town centre to meet with and film local retailers.
Among those taking part was 24-year-old Matt Simms, owner of Resneaked.
Matt launched the business from his bedroom while at university, and he now sells both pre-loved and new exclusive clothes and trainers from his Westover Road store.
The tour team also visited Arcadia Escape Rooms, founded by brothers Joe and George Carruthers earlier this year, and KH Jewels in Albert Road, specialists in custom-made jewellery.
And they popped into Flirt Café in The Triangle, family run restaurant El Murrino in Old Christchurch Road, and Trove, a collective mall at The Arcade selling unique and novelty items.
Bournemouth Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) worked closely with the Small Business Saturday tour team, with chief operating officer Paul Kinvig filming a video.
“Small Business Saturday on 7 December is a brilliant campaign which has been banging the drum for the UK’s small businesses for more than a decade,” said Paul.
“So we were thrilled to welcome them for the second year running and see Bournemouth town centre businesses getting involved.
“We really hope local people will get involved too and take the opportunity to go out and support small independent businesses in every sector.
“They’re the lifeblood of our town centres, and it’s vital we support them, utilise them and encourage them so that they continue to provide a service which brings so much to our community and our local economy.”
Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign backed by American Express.
It celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to shop local, especially in the run up to Christmas.
The day itself takes place every year on the first Saturday of December, with many small businesses hosting events and offering discounts.
Michelle Ovens CBE, director of Small Business Saturday UK, added: “Small businesses sit at the heart of communities, forming the cornerstone of local economies.
“This is why we’re visiting these communities in person with The Tour.
“We’re really excited about this next phase and the chance to shine an important light on fabulous small businesses all across the UK, bringing to life their brilliant and unique stories and impact.”
