Lockdown Boost For Small Businesses from Amex

Coronavirus lockdowns have boosted the nation’s love for UK small businesses, with 59 per cent of Brits saying they now support local businesses more than previously.

Research, commissioned by American Express and Small Business Saturday UK, and run by Populus in October 2020 who polled 1000 UK consumers, underscores the huge role small firms have played in supporting their communities through lockdown, with many pivoting to offer people new products and services such as deliveries, takeaways and virtual consultations.

This has led to a big rise in public support, with more than a third of people also saying they will continue their backing in the same way as they did before Covid-19, despite the recession.  This surge in affection will be vital for Small Business Saturday, which takes place on December 5. A grassroots, non-commercial campaign, it celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local’ to support their communities.

“This crisis has brought home just how much small firms are at the heart of our communities," said Michelle Ovens, director of Small Business Saturday.  “They have been there for customers and shown strength, determination and agility in coping. It’s no wonder that support for Britain’s small businesses is rocketing. It’s vital we continue to support small businesses as this crisis continues, which is why we are determined to make this year’s campaign the most impactful ever.”

An example of small business ingenuity is mother and daughter team Angela and Ivy Sherwood who run the gorgeous looking Wild About Flowers in Keynsham, Bristol and are one of the campaigns SmallBiz100 showcase operations.

Ivy told us: "Being part of the Small Biz 100 allows us to connect with other small businesses much further away than our local High Street. We take great inspiration from other small businesses and it's amazing to be connecting with so many other creative individuals who all have a different story to share. It's been such a challenging year for businesses, so it's amazing to be coming together and have something to celebrate!"

Now in its eighth year Small Business Saturday is the UK's most successful small business campaign, which last year saw an estimated £800m spent with small businesses across the UK on Small Business Saturday, with a record turnout of 17.6 million people choosing to shop small on the day.

Small Business Saturday was originally founded by American Express in the US in 2010, which remains the principal supporter of the campaign in the UK, as part of its avid championing of the UK high street and commitment to encourage consumers to shop small. a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and to support businesses in their communities.

"Our local communities are richer and more vibrant for the presence of these independents and people across the UK are behind them like never before," said American Express' General Manager UK, Global Merchant and Network Services, Dan Edelman.  "It’s so important that we all continue to support our favourite local small businesses and we’re proud to play our part as principal supporter of Small Business Saturday and through our own Shop Small campaign”.