North Yorkshire shoppers encouraged to support small businesses
Today is the annual Small Business Saturday
Shoppers in North Yorkshire are being urged to show support for small businesses as part of an annual event promoting the sector.
Organisers say Small Business Saturday could provide a "lifeline" for smaller companies in the important run-up to Christmas
The campaign group said the public is expected to direct up to a fifth of its Christmas spending towards independent firms, meaning the small business economy could tap into around £4.4 billion.
Small Business Saturday is an annual campaign with a mission to support and celebrate the UK's 5.5 million small businesses, encouraging people to "shop local" and support small firms in their communities on the day and beyond.
"Small businesses deliver an immeasurable value that goes beyond their economic contribution - they are the heart and soul of our communities, bringing joy and vibrancy to our lives and local areas, as well as delivering essential local services," said Michelle Ovens, director of Small Business Saturday UK.
"Public support is absolutely vital for boosting small businesses across the UK on Small Business Saturday and beyond.
"Many are facing extended economic challenges, and need greater support and confidence to recover and keep going."
"It's gut wrenching"
Danielle Cooper used to run Glazed and Confused Pottery in Tadcaster but recently had to close:
Just the cost of living crisis has really obviously hit everybody. It's hit me at home, it's hit all my customers who now cannot afford to come in. Electric rates, the cost of things, you just can't have a brick and mortar. It just isn't the way anymore.
"It's gut wrenching, but I'm not alone. I mean, in Tadcaster alone, we've probably had four or five businesses in last year that have had to close for the same reasons."
"We need more grants and small businesses need more help or otherwise, you're going to have High Street after High Street after High Street that is just going to be vacant buildings and nothing and communities will die after that."