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Small Business Saturday: Support your local businesses in the run-up to Christmas

| Noelle McAloon

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is encouraging everyone to back their local small businesses this festive season, as we approach Small Business Saturday, which this year will be celebrated on 7 December.

Now in its seventh year, the campaign celebrates the contribution made by the UK’s 5.5 million small business owners. FSB proudly supports the independent, grassroots Small Business Saturday campaign, which celebrates small firms of every kind. Last year more than £812 million was spent with small businesses on the day itself, an increase of 8% from the previous year (2017).

Brendan Kearney, Region Chair of FSB Northern Ireland, said:

“As we approach Christmas, now is the time for all of us to go out and celebrate our local businesses. We know that for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business, 63p is re-spent in the local area, compared to only 40p in every £1 spent with a chain or larger business.

Small firms make a big difference to their community, with many going above and beyond to help their small business neighbours and local start-ups. FSB backs the Small Business Saturday campaign as a way to say a simple ‘thank you’ to small business owners in every part of the region.

We hope even more people will turn out this year, to value the diversity and vibrancy of our small business community. This is a great time to check out what small local businesses offer the whole year round. Whether you’re shopping, buying services or products, choosing where to go for a meal, or building a website – hard working, innovative small businesses are the first place you should look.”

Explaining why it’s important to support small businesses on 7 December and all year round, local business owner Malcolm Harris, of Dog Star Communications in Enniskillen, said:

“Small businesses like ours really are vital for local communities. We offer a personal service that you just can’t get elsewhere – we’ll do our very best to help any customer find exactly what they need to suit them and their budget when they seek our advice. We’re really grateful for all of our loyal customers who return time and again, and hope we can continue to grow the business in the future.”

Showing her support for the campaign, Noelle McAloon, Enniskillen BID Manager said:

When you look at the hard work and determination of people like Malcolm here in Enniskillen, it’s clear to see the commitment they have to serving the needs of their local community. Small business owners are the lifeblood of the economy in Northern Ireland, and I’m delighted to support FSB in raising the profile of the Small Business Saturday campaign this year. Enniskillen has a fantastic array of small firms that not only provide us with the goods and services we need, but also with vital employment opportunities, so I encourage everyone to think about what they can do to support those local small businesses on 7 December, and all year round.