Will you shop local for Small Business Saturday?
We've been hearing from people and businesses in Salisbury and Fordingbridge
Last updated 5th Dec 2020
Christmas shoppers are being urged to buy local today (3rd December) for Small Business Saturday.
After what has been a difficult year with the pandemic, Salisbury BID want us to show our support for independents in the city.
Most have been allowed to reopen after Wiltshire entered the Tier 2 covid restrictions and now they need help from the local community.
Robin McGowen, Chief Executive of Salisbury BID, said:
"Small Business Saturday has always been an event that shines a light on local, small companies and the amazing work they do. This year it has never been more important to shine that light bright.
Covid-19 has been tough for businesses across Salisbury but throughout the crisis they have really shown creativity, inventiveness and tenacity. Business owners have been forced to adapt to new rules and guidance, as have we all, and support from local people has been crucial in keeping them afloat. Today serves as a reminder that our local communities are richer and more vibrant for the presence of these independents."
Last year the Small Business Saturday Bus Tour rolled into the city, and Salisbury MP John Glen hopes local people will once again turn out to support the initiative:
"Every year I have been delighted to give my support to Small Business Saturday, recognising the brilliant contribution that small businesses make to the local economy here in South Wiltshire.
This year, it is perfectly timed to coincide with coming out of lockdown and I really hope that Salisbury residents will be doing their bit to support small businesses in the run up to Christmas and beyond."
SUPPORT BUSINESSES ALL YEAR ROUND
For many, Christmas is a hugely important time for trade.
This year it is even more vital after a loss in time for the whole of November.
But one Fordingbridge business says this kind of support is always needed and you shouldn't shop local because it's Small Business Saturday, it can be done whenever it's best for you.
Dave Tree, who runs All The Cool Stuff, told Greatest Hits Radio that the industry has always been tough and independents are excellent at thriving in poor situations:
"For everyone it's been a real challenge and everybody has been affected in one way or another but it's always been tough, when I started it was in the credit crunch and I thought to myself if I can get through this surely everything is up hill from here but it hasn't been that way and you've got lots of factors like culture changes, environmental changes and fads that drive things which make a difference.
Small Business Saturday shouldn't just be Small Business Saturday, it should just be a thing that you do throughout your year when it's right for you, you shouldn't go just because it's this Saturday you've got the choice to do that whenever you want too."
You can find out more about Small Business Saturday by going it's website.