Member Article

Free stall up for grabs on Small Business Saturday

Middlesbrough’s burgeoning independent business sector takes centre stage with a series of events in the run-up to Christmas.

The town’s smaller and independent traders are set to take a starring role on Small Business Saturday.

The initiative – supported by Middlesbrough Council – takes place on Saturday, December 7, and will highlight how much the town has to offer.

Small Business Saturday has proved successful in America, where it was launched in 2010 as a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday which focus on major retailers and e-commerce respectively.

In the UK it has the backing of seven business organisations, including the British Chambers of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses which represent some 370,000 firms.

A promotional campaign will be launched to drive footfall to Middlesbrough’s small local retailers, encouraging shoppers to make the most of the town’s vibrant independent sector.

Other activities in the town to support the event will include the Barclays ‘Buy-local’ pop-up shop, an online Christmas gift guide, Christmas brochures, promotions and special offers in participating shops, alongside Middlesbrough Council’s on-going car parking offers which include up to two hours free parking.

Councillor Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “The harsh economic climate has been extremely challenging for businesses of all sizes, but we know that with the right support and incentives, they can still flourish.

“We will continue to do all we can to promote Middlesbrough as a great place to shop and do business, and I’m delighted that Small Business Saturday is supporting the town’s exciting and vibrant independent sector.

“The aim is to make Middlesbrough a unique shopping and leisure destination, and these enterprises are playing a key role in that process.”

To celebrate Small Business Saturday, Middlesbrough Council is offering two lucky traders the chance to win a stall on the Christmas Food, Craft and Gift market on Saturday, December 7.

The competition is open to Middlesbrough-based businesses that have been trading for less than two years.

The Market takes place in the town centre on Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7, and all of the stall holders are independent businesses.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .