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Traders encouraged to boost business and sign up for Small Business Saturday

Traders encouraged to boost business and sign up for Small Business Saturday

Traders in South Staffordshire are being encouraged to sign up for the district’s annual Small Business Saturday event.

The event, which this year is on Saturday 5 December, will see South Staffordshire Council team up with local firms to celebrate local, independent businesses and encourage residents to show their support for them.

Following a hugely successful campaign last year that saw over 80 local firms involved, the council and local traders are looking to double the amount of businesses taking part this year to showcase their place at the heart of local communities.

The council will once again challenge residents to ‘keep it local’ and do as much of their shopping as they can with small businesses, both on the day and thereafter

In 2014 the national campaign saw 16.5 million people shop in a small business on Small Business Saturday, and £504 million was spent in small businesses on the day.

Pet Stop in Codsall saw sales increase by 19% on the day last year, and 12% the following Saturday. Owner Glynne Owen said:

“Small Business Saturday certainly worked for us, so if you are not already on board, my advice would be to get on board this year and reap the benefits of extra sales.”

Businesses who sign up with the council will get access to free advice and support on how to make the very best of Small Business Saturday.  They will also get access to a wealth of promotional materials that will help advertise their participation in the event.

Councillor Brian Edwards, Leader of the Council, said:

“Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity to celebrate their importance to our economy but more importantly our communities. And we want as many businesses to take part this year and create a real buzz across our villages.

“An enormous 98% of enterprises in the district are classed as small businesses, who also provide 78% of the total jobs within South Staffordshire.  As a result of Small Business Saturday, many businesses have reported an increased footfall, increased takings and the opportunity to engage with a new generation of customers.  I would encourage as many businesses as possible to sign up so they can feel the benefits of this initiative.”

Businesses taking part in Small Business Saturday can place a deal on the new Good Life Deals App for free, for three months. The smartphone app allows residents and visitors to see discounts and deals made available by their local businesses.

The app itself is available as a free download through the App Store and the Google Play store.

If you run a Small Business in South Staffordshire and would like to get involved with Small Business Saturday UK 2015, follow this link to sign up: www.sstaffs.gov.uk/sbs