📋 Tender Overview
As Small Business Saturday marks its tenth year celebrating small businesses in the UK this weekend 3 December the campaigns principal supporter in the UK American Express has brought together some of the nations leading big retailers to highlight the value and contribution of their small counterparts.Small Business Saturday is a grassroots non-commercial campaign that encourages people to shop local and support businesses in their communities.Recognising the significant challenges facing small businesses American Express approached some of the UKs most well-respected big retailers to ask for their support in encouraging people to shop small this Small Business Saturday.Boots Fenwick Robert Dyas Selfridges Timpson and Waitrose are the big-name brands who have stepped forward for a Big Backing Small collective push ahead of this weekend sharing messages of support capturing why theyre proud to back small business.From stocking innovative products from small suppliers to celebrating their small business customers to acknowledging the major role that these small businesses play in creating healthy high streets each Big Backing Small supporter has shared their unique perspective on why its so important for them to back small.American Express who originally founded Small Business Saturday in the US in 2010 and remains the principal supporter of the campaign in the UK will be adding to the messages of support through its own marketing activity and social media posts in the lead-up to Small Business Saturday.Over the 10 years that Small Business Saturday has been running in the UK the campaign has engaged millions of people and seen billions of pounds spent with small businesses across the UK on Small Business Saturday. It has gained support from political leaders MPs local councils and business networks with the Prime Minister leader of the opposition and Mayor of London among those backing the campaign last year.Dan Edelman General Manager UK Merchant Services at American Express said A huge thank you to the big businesses who are part of Big Backing Small and shining a spotlight on how small businesses punch above their weight in creating a diverse retail sector and contributing so much to local communities. At what is such a challenging time for all businesses its incredible to have their support and to celebrate Small Business Saturday which has superbly championed the nations local independent small businesses over the past 10 years.Michelle Ovens CBE Director of Small Business Saturday UK added The UKs 5.5 million small businesses are vital to our economy our society and our local communities but they are facing massive challenges at the moment and need a huge boost. Small Business Saturday is all about shining a big spotlight on the phenomenal contribution of small businesses and mobilising people to support them. This help must come from across all of society and bigger businesses can play a major role in encouraging and backing entrepreneurs too.Quotes from Big Backing Small supportersElizabeth Hewitt Head of Christmas Boots Congratulations to Small Business Saturday from all of us at Boots. As the UKs number one health and beauty retailer we are proud to support new and innovative businesses and to help our customers discover smaller independent brands in our stores. Through our work with The Great Brand Exchange we have been able to provide brands access to our store portfolio with space in some of our flagship stores across the UK.Adam Kelly Buying and Merchandising Director FenwickAs a family-owned department store Fenwick is proud of its continuing support of new and exciting independent labels. The small companies that Fenwick supports are broad ranging from diverse fashion and unique accessories brands to niche family run food companies. These innovative brands ensure there is always a sense of discovery for our customers at Fenwick. Im delighted Small Business Saturday founded and supported by American Express is celebrating ten years of shining a spotlight on small businesses its what keeps retail interesting.Robert DyasA huge congratulations to Small Business Saturday a grassroots initiative founded by American Express which is celebrating 10 years this weekend. Initiatives like this are so important as every business starts somewhere but the big difference in their growth journey is where they are recognised and helped along the way through the good the bad and the ugly. Robert Dyas strives every day to support independent and small suppliers and there is nothing better than watching them grow which is why we are thrilled to be part of Big Backing Small. Catriona Woolner-Winders Executive Communications Director SelfridgesSelfridges is proud to support small independent brands and businesses who each bring creativity and inclusivity to our experience and product offer connecting with and inspiring our customers. From partnerships with specialist vintage resellers to collaborating with stores like Londons iconic Machine-A and giving a platform the best young and emerging talent small and independent is key to our point of view. Its more important than ever to share our voice and spaces with small brands. With Small Business Saturday encouraging others to think this way we can shift mindsets to protect a unique retail landscape where diversity can thrive.
