Happy Small Business Saturday!
I love to support small businesses. If I'm heading out for a meal or if I need a gift for my friends and family, trying to choose a small business is very important to me.
This is because I know how much it means to an individual business owner, and there's just something so lovely about receiving a purchase from a small business, rather than a faceless chain.
As a blogger, I also often get the chance to work with amazing small businesses from across the UK- which is great! From F1 merchandise to food and drink, I really love sampling everything that small businesses have to offer.
In this post, I want to discuss why it is so important to support small businesses- especially at this time of the year. I also want to think about Small Business Saturday, and 6 independent businesses I love to support!
Why is it important to support small businesses?
It is so important to support small businesses whenever you can. For a small business, any sale is beneficial- and it's lovely to know that your purchase has helped someone continue to run their company.
To a small business, every sale, customer, online share, advertisement and recommendation helps.
This time of the year is a great time to support small businesses. It gives small business owners the chance to afford their own Christmas presents, and it allows you to find something a little bit different for your festive gift.
Supporting small businesses is also beneficial for you, the customer. You are guaranteed to get something totally unique.
I love receiving a parcel from Etsy or a small business, as the owner often includes a cute message in the parcel. This adds an extra little something to my purchase- and it always brings a smile to my face.
If you're off out for food or drinks, a small business often has a cosy, independent feel too- especially at this time of the year.
Unlike big companies and huge corporations, you know that every time you visit a small business, you are guaranteed to get a personal service that goes towards helping a small owner.
Whether you're after delicious treats or a new outfit, there will always be an amazing small business that is happy to help you find the right product for you!
What is Small Business Saturday?
Small Business Saturday is a non-commercial campaign in the UK. It aims to promote the success of small businesses, encouraging customers to choose independent businesses whenever possible.
This includes finding local, sustainable shopping options or ordering from small companies online.
Small Business Saturday takes place on the first Saturday in December every year, but it also supports and promotes small businesses throughout the year.
From social media campaigns to influential supporters in the public eye, you can find out more about the Small Business Saturday mission on their website.
6 of my Favourite Independent Businesses
Eliza and Ted Gift Boxes
I recently discussed Eliza and Ted Gift Boxes in my post about vegan Christmas presents. These gift boxes are lovingly created by Becky from her home in Kent.
She wants to make gifting easy, quick and personal- and she selects gorgeous local products from lots of UK businesses. This means that when you support Eliza and Ted Gift Boxes, you also support other small businesses too!
You could buy one of these gift boxes for a special birthday, or you could just buy one for yourself to celebrate the festive season.
So! Bar & Eats
So! Bar & Eats is a delicious restaurant in the heart of Knaresborough. Even though they aren't a fully-vegan restaurant, they have so many incredible options for vegans and vegetarians.
In fact, their options can be quite overwhelming as their menu is huge!
So! Bar & Eats is a lovely restaurant for food and drinks, and it's got that cosy independent feel that I love so much.
Rise Coffee
If you know me, you'll know how much I just love coffee! Rise Coffee are a fantastic small business, and they've put together a monthly subscription option for coffee lovers to access their favourite coffee products every month.
At Rise Coffee, Alice and Ben also put together a few other products for their customers, such as chocolates and snacks.
As with many small businesses, you receive a personal touch with your coffee- and you never know which products you're going to receive through your letterbox each month!
Suzetta Pancake Shop
I've written about Suzetta Pancake Shop in the past- and I absolutely love it there!
Suzetta Pancake Shop serves delicious pancakes and crepes to the people of Harrogate, including sweet and savoury treats.
This restaurant is run by Andi and James, and it really adds a little something to our local high street.
Although it is great to support small businesses online, sometimes heading in-person to an independent space allows you to realise just how important it is to support your local community.
Plus, the pancakes at this restaurant are delicious!
Trupig Vegan
Trupig Vegan are a small vegan chocolate company based in Sheffield. They produce top-quality, delicious vegan chocolate products for people across the UK.
I love their range of vegan chocolates! From selection boxes to giant rochers, Trupig Vegan want to make sure that vegans can access all the same chocolate delights as non-vegans.
These chocolates are also all handmade, ensuring amazing taste and quality for every customer. You can order Trupig Vegan products online to support this small business.
Konak Meze
This is another gorgeous independent restaurant in my local area!
Konak Meze serves delicious Turkish food, with plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans across Harrogate.
Whenever I head into this restaurant, I am always greeted by super-friendly staff members- including the owners themselves. This adds a lovely touch, and it's one of my favourite things about small businesses!
Have you heard of Small Business Saturday? What is your favourite independent business? Let me know!
Love, Sarah xoxoxo
