Supporting Small Business Saturday
The Secretary of State urges consumers to 'think small and buy local' this Saturday
Welcoming Small Business Saturday, the Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP commented:
Small Business Saturday comes to the UK for the first time tomorrow, on what is traditionally the busiest shopping day of the year. This initiative is a brilliant way to champion independent businesses and encourage people to buy their goods and services locally. Small businesses play an invaluable role in community life right across Northern Ireland, helping make each of our towns and villages special and different. They are right at the heart of our economy, driving growth and jobs across Northern Ireland. The sector represents 98% of all businesses here, and provides over 35% of our total employment, so it’s right that we celebrate the hugely important contribution they make.
But the fact is that small businesses don’t have the marketing budgets of larger firms, which means, as customers, we don’t always see the fantastic choice and service available right on our doorsteps. That’s why I’m delighted to be backing this campaign, alongside the Prime Minister. I urge everyone to get behind it and show their support for family businesses, local restaurants, market traders and small independent service providers, manufacturers and suppliers in their communities - not just on Saturday but all year round.