East Riding of Yorkshire Council supports ‘Small Business Saturday’

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is encouraging residents to support local businesses on Small Business Saturday, 7 December.

Small Business Saturday is a national campaign launched in 2013 and held on the first Saturday of December. It encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support their local businesses.

One small business participating in the initiative is Alec W G Hall Limited. The specialist outfitters on the Driffield high street have received support from Invest East Yorkshire’s business support services, towards updating traditional shop front signage and reinstating the front canopy.

Mark Edwards, from the business, said:

“Small Business Saturday highlights the fantastic local businesses on our high streets. These businesses are an essential part of our economy and community.  The level of service offered by local businesses is unrivalled. It’s great to see the Council offering free car parking during December, which will make it easier for our customers to shop locally and keep our economy thriving. Please support your local businesses if you can, it means so much to us all!”

Photo of Mark Edwards, from Alec W G Hall Limited

Parking charges will be suspended at the council’s on-street and off-street parking locations across the East Riding from 8am on Saturday to 8am on Monday on the following weekends:

Pay and display machines will be clearly marked to let people know there is no charge.

Councillor Anne Handley, East Riding of Yorkshire council leader, said, “This is a crucial time for small businesses in our communities, and we’re proud to support them during this festive period. I encourage all residents to support their local shops in the run up to Christmas.”

The Small Business Saturday campaign can be followed via #SmallBizSatUK @SmallBizSatUK

Small Business Saturday – 3 December 2022

Residents in the East Riding are encouraged to shop local this weekend in support of Small Business Saturday.

A grassroots, not-for-profit campaign, Small Business Saturday first came to the UK in 2013. It has grown into an iconic campaign, which celebrates small business success. Additionally encouraging consumers to ‘shop local’ and support businesses in their communities.

What does it involve?

On Small Business Saturday, customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses. Many small businesses take an active role in promoting the day by hosting events and offering promotions.

The campaign has engaged millions each year, with spend on the day topping over £1 billion.

Follow the campaign on Twitter via #SmallBizSatUK @SmallBizSatUK.

Free parking in council-run car parks will also be in force, encouraging even further footfall into the town centres.

One business owner hoping to see residents come out in support is Lucy Thompson from Beverley’s Oh My Dog.

Lucy said: “It would be great to see even more residents come out to support us on the high street on Small Business Saturday. I know a lot of the shops around me have gone to extra effort to look the part heading into Christmas.

“We get a lot of support from the council and that support has really enabled us to get the business off the ground and make a great success of it. Times are tough for everyone right now financially but Oh My Dog continues to be as popular as ever and I look forward to seeing even more customers through the doors on Saturday!”