Small Business Saturday a huge success

A day of collaboration and support for the small trader, Small Business Saturday, now in its second year saw thousands support the independent traders of Exeter.  

Small Business Saturday is an independent, grassroots movement supporting, inspiring and promoting small businesses. Although the focus is on one day, the campaign aims to make a difference all year round.

The Lord Mayor of Exeter, the City MP Ben Bradshaw and Councillor Rosie Denham kicked the day off by meeting at Bunyip and Beads independent shop in Fore Street with Matty Richardson of Exeter Trails and Michael Green, Chair of the Exeter Branch of The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) before touring independent shops.

A lively atmosphere in Fore Street was supported by Carol singers, a string quartet, and wrapping station and a chance for children to find the Festive Ferret in all participating shops in order to win a prize.

The Exeter Branch of the FSB had produced 5,000 leaflets and 150 A3 poster helping publicise the day and identifying small businesses within the city.  A team of volunteers from the FSB and Exeter Pound gave out thousands of these leaflets at the Christmas Market and Exeter Library guiding shoppers to independent outlets in the city.

The day was also supported through a collaboration between the Exeter Library Business Centre and Cartridges Business Hub providing a free drop-in advice and support service for anyone considering starting a businesses.

The City Council helped to encourage return trade by issuing small independent traders with permits to pass on to customers who spend £10 or more, allowing them to park in council run pay-and-display car parks for double the length of the time they pay for.

“It’s was a wonderful day in the city and a real collaboration between different organisation within Exeter.  The Exeter Pound was proud to be one of those organisations helping support small businesses on this important day,” said Daniel Hillier, Director, Exeter Pound