People in North Yorkshire are being encouraged to shop locally in the run-up to Christmas.
As businesses in the county join the rest of the country in supporting the annual Small Business Saturday campaign today, shoppers are being reminded of the importance of supporting the retailers and tradespeople on their doorstep.
Anthony Glaves runs a butchers in Brompton by Sawdon
North Yorkshire County Councillor Derek Bastiman, Executive Member for Open to Business, said: “We have many wonderful businesses in North Yorkshire – the vast majority of them, 98 per cent, small or micro businesses. They contribute a great deal not only to the county’s economy but to North Yorkshire’s identity around the world.
“The weeks leading up to Christmas are hugely important for the success of many of these businesses, particularly this year as they strive to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Now is the time to use them or lose them – buying local within North Yorkshire has never been more important.”
The County Council has helped to bring together businesses and customers with its Buy Local website. Launched at the start of the pandemic in March 2020, initially to help people find goods and services during lockdown, it continues as a simple way for shoppers to search for what they want and for businesses to publicise their offer. Businesses and tradespeople can register free to showcase their goods and services.
Anthony Glaves says it's not just individuals that need to buy local, he says local firms need to source products locally as well.
Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to shop local and to support businesses in their communities. Its roadshow team visited Northallerton earlier in November and met independent businesses in the town.
In its ninth year, Small Business Saturday is the UK's most successful small business campaign, which last year saw a record-breaking £1.1 billion spent with small businesses across the UK on the day, according to estimates. The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the impact lasts all year round.
Michelle Ovens, CBE, director of Small Business Saturday UK, said:
“Small Business Saturday’s mission to support and celebrate small businesses has never been more important, as small firms face considerable challenges to get back on their feet. Support from the public can make a huge impact in helping these small, independent firms who are at the heart of our communities and have been vital to getting us through the pandemic. It’s time to show our thanks and support back to them for the amazing contribution they make to our nation.”
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