THE bus tour to promote ‘Small Business Saturday’ has visited Abercorn Square in Strabane ahead of the day itself on Saturday, December 3.
The UK’s most successful small business initiative has achieved significant increases in SME spending since its inception three years ago by encouraging consumers from all over the country to shop small on the first Saturday of December.
The bus tour, which will make 29 stops around the UK to promote the event, gave local businesses the opportunity to exhibit their services and provide workshops to the public.
Speaking on her visit to the bus in Strabane, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Alderman Hilary McClintock, urged local businesses and consumers alike to get involved in the scheme.
“I was delighted to see the ‘Small Business Saturday’ bus visiting our Council area and learn that an increasing number of small business are getting involved in the initiative,” she said.
“Small business owners are a crucial element to our local economy and I would urge the public to support them as much as possible.
“This scheme is an excellent way to encourage consumers to shop local not just on this Saturday but all year round.”
Small Business Saturday Project Manager Tom Flynn is travelling in the bus for the five week tour that includes three stops in Northern Ireland.
“The tour is a very visible way for us to meet small businesses around the UK and show them how they can become involved as well as drumming up consumer interest, support and enthusiasm,” he said.
“Last year an estimated £623 million was spent with small businesses across the UK on the day – up £119 million on last year and an increase in spending of 24%.
“The day itself also generated huge buzz on social media with Small Business Saturday trending at number one on Twitter.”
Local businesses can learn more about getting involved in the scheme on the website www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com where logos, digital banners, a social media guide and toolkits are available to download and can be displayed online or on premises.
Businesses around the country can also upload information to the ‘My Small Business Finder’ on the website www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com detailing special events or promotional offers they will be running on December 3.
More information can also be found on the Facebook page smallbusinesssaturdayuk and Twitter feed @SmallBizSatUk.
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