SMALL Business Saturday, the annual campaign to celebrate and support small businesses across the UK, is back again on December 4. Now in its ninth year, the campaign encourages customers to ‘shop local’ and support all types of small businesses online, in offices and in stores.

The campaign has enjoyed remarkable success. Despite the pandemic, last year there was a record estimated spend of over £1 billion with small businesses by more than 15 million consumers across the UK.

With many businesses still recovering from Covid-19, the ‘shop local’ message has never been more important. That is why I have been urging businesses and customers in East Lothian to participate in this year’s Small Business Saturday and help boost their sales in the vital festive period.

In previous years, many small businesses and local business associations have taken part in the day by hosting events and offering discounts, while local authorities have also been big supporters of the campaign. Local businesses have also featured in the Small Biz 100, which highlights 100 small businesses, one a day for 100 days leading up to Small Business Saturday.

There is still plenty of time for businesses, communities and individuals to get involved. If you run a small business and are planning to join in with Small Business Saturday, with an event, offer or in another way, let me know and I’ll help promote it on my social media.

The monthly Haddington Farmers’ Market offers a great opportunity to shop locally with various East Lothian businesses all at the same place. The final one of this year takes place on December 18, perfect for those late gifts.

Find out more about Small Business Saturday and how to get involved at smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com