Small Business Saturday launches festive advert urging Britain to shop small

Small Business Saturday has launched its first-ever Christmas advert as part of a campaign encouraging consumers to support independent businesses during the festive season. The campaign, which takes place ahead of Small Business Saturday on December 5, aims to highlight the role small firms play in local communities and the wider UK economy. The advert follows a shopper on a festive journey through a selection of independent businesses, showcasing the variety of experiences and services offered by small enterprises across the country.

Featured businesses include Cream Dream, a Ukrainian café in Covent Garden run by Lisa Tataryna; Mud House, a community pottery studio in Brighton run by Rosalind Poerwantoro; Simon Webster Hair, an award-winning salon operated by Simon and Sophie Webster; and Shambles, an independent Italian restaurant in Teddington run by siblings Massimo and Margherita Langella.

The film concludes with friends exchanging gifts over a festive meal while being entertained by visually impaired pianist Maurice Press. Organisers said the advert is designed to encourage consumers to shop locally, discover independent retailers online and support small businesses during one of the busiest trading periods of the year. Small Business Saturday is now in its 14th year and is supported by American Express. The campaign says it has generated billions of pounds in spending with small businesses since launching in the UK in 2013.

Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: "The launch of our festive advert is reminder of how much small businesses contribute to our everyday lives. They sit at the heart of our communities, bringing our high streets to life, creating jobs and offering unique experiences.

"This Small Business Saturday, we're urging the public to celebrate their favourite small businesses, discover new ones and show their support during one of the most important trading periods of the year."

Dan Edelman, General Manager, UK Merchant Services at American Express, said: "As the founder and Principal Supporter of Small Business Saturday, American Express is proud to help shine a spotlight on the incredible independent businesses that make our high streets so special. This advert is a celebration of these businesses and those that run them, and a timely reminder of the difference we can all make by choosing to shop small."

Small Business Saturday will take place on December 5.

You can watch the full advert here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKO59jB6A8o