SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY IS BACK!

Make a note! Small Business Saturday is back on 5th December! This UK-wide campaign champions independent businesses and encourages everyone to shop independent. Small businesses make a real difference to local communities and contribute to the Liverpool City Region economy.

Small Business Saturday is more than one day: it’s a movement that celebrates independent shops, freelancers, creatives, sole traders, and family businesses. Less obvious ones deserve recognition too, like taxi drivers, window cleaners, and driving instructors.

Read on for a snapshot of local small business success stories showing what’s possible. We’ve also compiled some tips to help businesses make the most of Small Business Saturday. Finally, there are some fundamental pointers for anyone dreaming of starting a new business.

Small business spotlight

The Liverpool City Region has long been a hub for entrepreneurship. Here are some of the local entrepreneurs we’ve highlighted on BeMore in the past.

A business that started in a bedroom! 

We’re talking about Wirral Webs. Alfie began buying and selling trainers as a hobby during lockdown. He spotted trends early and used social media to build an audience and showcase his products. We’ve documented his entrepreneurial journey and how he developed his side hustle into a serious business. Alfie’s story reminds us you don’t need a shopfront or large premises to get started.

Kate continues to innovate

Since we first wrote about Lola Star Activewear, founder Kate has launched a new padel-focused collection. She made the leap from a career in manufacturing to found her sustainable fashion brand. In the early days, her vision outpaced her digital skills. By completing a Skills Bootcamp in graphic design, she was able to scale her business more rapidly. Kate’s willingness to acquire new skills shows us how training can empower local people and businesses.

Launching a venture in later life 

John Clayton has had more than one career. As a local celebrant, he now uses skills from his earlier roles in a completely new way. His years in PR and newsrooms gave him the research and writing foundation to train as a funeral celebrant. Today he runs his own business and is in high demand, writing and delivering funeral ceremonies. His days include promoting himself through building relationships with funeral directors and families, as well as keeping business records and accounting. Read about how starting a new venture doesn’t always mean starting from scratch.

Turning a passion into a business 

Elaine Kinsella has had music in her blood since she was very young. Lifelong learning, resilience, and taking every opportunity led her to where she is today. Her business, Ukelele Club Liverpool, operates in Aigburth. It started small, with Elaine giving lessons herself. Today she has a team behind her and has inspired hundreds of people to try the quirky instrument.

Seven things business owners should do ahead of Small Business Saturday 

If you’re a small business owner, take advantage of the opportunities Small Business Saturday offers to put your business in the spotlight. A little preparation can go a long way. Here are seven simple things to do before 5^th December to make sure you don’t miss out. 

1. Spend some time theming your digital marketing content for Small Business Saturday. Request the small business marketing pack, which includes logos, social graphics, and posters that will all show you’re part of the campaign.
2. Don’t leave it until the last minute! If you are planning a special promotion or event, promote it well ahead of the date.
3. Be bold and share your personal journey; the event celebrates the personalities behind the businesses as much as the actual businesses.
4. Piggyback on the national campaign. Use it to welcome back old customers, ask clients to leave a review to celebrate the event and thank your existing customers for their patronage.
5. Make it easy for people to find you; check that your opening hours are up to date and consistent across platforms, and that your contact details and any booking information are all current.
6. Start using the hashtags on your socials: #SmallBizSatUK and #NationsFavouriteBusinesses are the official ones; you can pair them with something like #ShopLocalLiverpool.
7. Consider joining forces with other local businesses; if there’s time, arrange a joint event or agree to cross-promote each other.

Thinking of starting a business?

Turning your idea into reality will take a lot of hard work, but it’s worth it! From an initial test to getting legal, financial and regulatory requirements in place, some preparation and planning will make all the difference. Below are a few key steps to consider. 

• Find your idea: Be clear about what product or service you want to offer. What will make you unique?
• Research: It’s always a good idea to research your target market. These days, businesses launch off the back of ‘smoke tests’, ‘Wizard of Oz’ tests, crowdfunding pre-sales, and more. If you don’t know what these are, Google them to see how they can help you understand your market.

• Write a business plan: Time spent working out costs and pricing is always well spent. Documenting this will help you measure your success as you move forward.
   
• The legalities: You’ll need to decide on your business structure, register with HMRC, and ensure any licenses, permits, and requirements such as insurance are in place. 
  
• Build a brand: Choose a business name based on what you can own online, so think early about your online presence.
   
• Make connections: Don’t underestimate the power of networking and connecting with other businesses. And just like Alfie and Kate, seek advice and training opportunities.
  
• When you launch your business, you don’t have to have everything figured out. But planning gives you a stronger starting point.

Think small and dream big

You may already be running a business, or maybe nurturing an ambition. Small Business Saturday reminds us that every big idea starts somewhere. 

And if you are a customer, think small on the 5th of December. Shop local to support the people whose entrepreneurial spirit helps the local economy thrive.