SUNDERLAND’s thriving independents are having the spotlight turned on them, to mark this year’s Small Business Saturday.
Shoppers across the city and beyond are being asked to give their support at this year’s event on 6 December.
Small Business Saturday is a national event which celebrates SMEs and the contribution they make to the local economy.
Sunderland has always championed the day and this year is no different – with a range of organisations encouraging people to support this important sector.
Sunderland’s BIDs – which include the City Centre BID and the Seafront BID – are once again promoting Small Business Saturday, as is Enterprising Sunderland through Market Collective, which is delivering a business support programme on behalf of Sunderland City Council.
Market Collective has worked with many small businesses throughout the year and will be using social media to help showcase the variety of unique offerings there are in Sunderland.
The city has welcomed a number of new independent businesses this year including Ashbrooke Home at Mackie’s Corner, Wear at Vine Place, a vintage clothes shop and café, and the recently opened 24NE Artists Collective at Fawcett Street.
Sunderland’s hospitality scene has also continued to boom, with newcomers such as The Korean Spoon at Fawcett Street and Fretta by Ruhe at Stockton Road.
These are the kind of independent businesses which people are being encouraged to support on Small Business Saturday – and throughout the year.
The campaign ties in with the city’s own Spend It In Sunderland initiative, encouraging people to choose Sunderland for Christmas shopping, eating out and entertainment and support local businesses at the same time.
As an added incentive, anyone who visits one of the local independent businesses in Sunderland on 6 December can be in with the chance of winning a £100 Sunderland Gift Card.
Entrants need to take a Small Business Selfie showing where they are and post it in the comments of the competition post on the Sunderland Experience Facebook page, along with tagging in the business.
The competition closes on 14 December and the winner will be chosen at random from the entrants the following day.
Anyone taking part can make multiple entries if they feature a different small business each time.
Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland’s BIDs, believes Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity to highlight the strong independent scene across the city.
“Small Business Saturday is an opportunity to celebrate the creativity, resilience and individuality of our independent businesses,” she said.
“Choosing to shop small and local is a great way to help boost the city economy with the added benefit of being able to enjoy something really unique.”
Cllr Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for Housing, Regeneration and Business at Sunderland City Council said “Small Business Saturday is a powerful reminder of the entrepreneurs, creators, and family-run businesses that shape Sunderland’s character.
“This Christmas, even the smallest purchase can make a meaningful difference to the independents who work tirelessly all year round.”
Enterprising Sunderland is a business support programme funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It is delivered by a unique consortium of partners in the city, working together to stimulate entrepreneurial ambition across the city.