People in Leicester are being encouraged to shop local this weekend and support Leicester’s small businesses and independent retailers.
The now annual ‘Small Business Saturday’ initiative puts a spotlight on hundreds of small shops and businesses that make a big contribution to Leicester’s economy.
Deputy City Mayor Councillor Rory Palmer said: “In Leicester, around 60% of city centre retailers are independently owned – and that individuality helps create a unique experience for shoppers.
“Small businesses are vital to our local economy. Across the city small businesses give our local shopping areas real character. We are fortunate in Leicester to have great local shopping areas like Queens Road, Allandale Road, Narborough Road, Evington Road, Aylestone, and the famous Golden Mile.
“I’d urge everyone to support our small businesses on Saturday and throughout the year – not just those in the city centre, but also the corner shops in residential areas and the local stores on our estates that provide such an invaluable service.”
To mark Small Business Saturday (6 December) the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has arranged for the campaign bus to visit Leicester as part of its tour of the region. The bus will pull up near the Clock Tower on Humberstone Gate West at 10am.
They are also running a Keep Trade Local Challenge until 17 December, which means anyone shopping with independent retailers and local small businesses can register their spend and be in for a chance to win a £200 local produce hamper for Christmas. To register go http://www.fsb.org.uk/leics-northants-rutland/entry
St Martin’s Square in the city centre is also running a Christmas fayre on the day in order to support local businesses and products. The event which runs from 11am to 7pm boasts a Santa’s grotto, music and entertainment, an outside bar as well as a local and handmade Christmas market.
Advice for small and medium businesses as well as start ups will be available from a pop-up centre at Silver Arcade from 9.30am until 2.30pm on Saturday 6 December.
‘Small Business Saturday’ takes place on the first Saturday of December each year. It highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities.
