Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
- Small Business Minister Margot James encourages people to support local independent businesses
- UK is home to a record 5.5 million small businesses
Business ministers will be visiting independent businesses in their constituencies this weekend, in celebration of Small Business Saturday. The annual initiative, now in its fourth year, champions and supports the UKs small businesses. Last year, more than 623 million was spent on the day in small, independent shops and firms.
At the start of 2016 there were a record 5.5 million small businesses in the UK an increase of more than 1 million since the start of 2010. The latest Business Population Estimates show that these businesses are responsible for 60% of private sector employment and contribute 1.8 trillion in turnover.
Small Business Minister, Margot James said:
Our small businesses are the life-blood of our communities. From the shops that provide lifes essentials, to the inventors who change the way we think about the world, we have much to thank our small businesses for.
This is why I am proud to be the advocate for the UKs small businesses, and why I will be visiting my local high street and other local businesses on Small Business Saturday. I urge everyone to make the most of what small businesses offer, this Saturday and all year around.
For more information about government support available to small businesses, please visit finance and support for your business.
For more information on the Small Business Saturday campaign visit smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com.