Small Business Saturday is a grass-roots, non-political, non-commercial campaign that encourages people to support small businesses in their communities, both on the Saturday (this year December 3rd) itself and beyond. The campaign also aims to support, inspire and promote small business all year round.
The initiative started in 2010 in the US, and has generated a lot of custom for small businesses. The campaign is now in its fourth year in the UK.
Our nation’s small businesses provide almost two thirds of private sector employment and almost half of private sector turnover.
Each year 100 small businesses are chosen and highlighted one a day for the 100 days leading up to Small Business Saturday 2016.
For the last three years, the 100 have not only received exposure on our social media channels and in the local press, but also joined the Small Business Saturday team in London at receptions in both Downing Street and The Treasury Drum with the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Millie and Me was fortunate to be chosen as one of this year’s 100 small businesses and was highlighted in the local press and on Social Media.
My Proposal
Whilst being chosen as one of the 100 was beneficial to my business, we have the opportunity to build on this publicity and highlight all small businesses in Brixham. If I help to organise an event in the town we can gain maximum exposure and publicity and demonstrate what great small businesses we have here.
With the support of the Chamber of Commerce I am proposing we erect an 8 x 4 marquee in Fore street which can be a free space for all businesses in the town to showcase what they do. You can bring banners, samples, leaflets or just yourselves to talk passionately about your business. Depending on take up, slots will be available for up to 6/8 businesses at any one time for a set period throughout the day.
I’m asking anyone who’s interested to get in touch with me through FB at Millie and Me , Twitter: @millieandme1, email sophie@fclnet.com or tel 01803 858488. I can then work out how long each business can have so that we can include everyone who wants to take part.
I am also planning to have some entertainment and buskers present throughout the day.
The aim of the exercise is to engage local people and encourage them to shop local but also use the event as a springboard to gain wider exposure for the town and further promote it as a shopping and business destination.
Marketing/Publicity Material
Whether you are able to join us in the marquee or not, please support Small Biz Saturday on the 3rd December by sending off for a free promotional pack. How fantastic would it be to see identical posters in all windows throughout the town showing support and solidarity for this great initiative?
Here is the link: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/#get-involved
Thanks so far to Brixham Chamber of Commerce, Brixham YES & Ross Lomas and Ric Vince for their support.
Please get involved and lets work together to promote Brixham!
Sophie Bower
sophie@fclnet.com