Small Business Saturday, the UK’s most successful small business campaign, is set to return this December, celebrating the nation’s vibrant small business community. Running for over a decade, the grassroots campaign encourages consumers to shop small and support local businesses on the first weekend of December.

This year’s SmallBiz100 line-up, which spotlights 100 inspiring small firms, points to an upward trend for the UK's small businesses as they continue to recover from recent challenges.

Among those selected for this year’s SmallBiz100 is Massimo Langella, owner of Shambles, a family-run restaurant and wine bar in Teddington, London. Thrilled by the recognition, Langella remarked, "As a second-generation family-run business, our community has had an amazing impact on us and our local high street. We benefit greatly from the Small Business Saturday UK campaign, which reminds everyone to go out and support small firms!"

This year’s SmallBiz100 features a wide array of small businesses from across the UK, showcasing the diversity and innovation that define the nation’s small business landscape:

• Sensational Cakes and Desserts in Southampton, founded by Sope Oludimu from her kitchen table as a side hustle while at university.
• Adaptive Yoga Live in South London, founded by disabled entrepreneur Miranda McCarthy, offers inclusive online yoga classes for all mobility levels.
• Billingtons Ballroom, Bar, and Kitchen in Oldham, established by Kris Zemlik in 2020, transformed an old dance studio into an inclusive community hub.
• Battle Green in North Wales, a company offering eco-friendly alternatives to everyday products, founded in response to the environmental impact of microplastics.
• The Happy Business Company in Penicuik, Scotland, run by coach Julie Begbie, helps founders navigate the challenges of running a business.
• Jiggi Mobile Barbershop in Bolton, created by Jignesh Madhavji during the COVID-19 pandemic, offers a personalized barber experience from his van.
• Tastesmiths in Purfleet, a family-run business providing spice kits and recipes for authentic home-cooked meals.

As the economic landscape begins to stabilize, the campaign organisers are keen to emphasise the pivotal role small businesses will play in the UK’s recovery. However, they also acknowledge the ongoing need for support after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.

“This year’s SmallBiz100 list shows the huge contribution small businesses make to their communities and the wider UK economy,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK. “Small firms still need significant support to get back on their feet. Small Business Saturday has always been a powerful way for the public to celebrate and uplift our nation’s small businesses, and in this critical time of opportunity, the campaign’s lasting impact will be essential.”

Dan Edelman, General Manager of UK Merchant Services at American Express, praised the resilience of the entrepreneurs highlighted by this year’s SmallBiz100. “We’re proud to champion these businesses and encourage the nation to shop small through our ongoing support of Small Business Saturday – a campaign which remains as important now as when it first began.”

A Decade of Support for UK Small Businesses

Since its launch in 2013, Small Business Saturday has grown into a nationwide movement, encouraging millions to shop small and generating billions in spending with small businesses. The campaign has enjoyed broad support from key political figures, including the Prime Minister, the Mayor of London, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Last year, the campaign gained backing from over 90% of local councils and trended widely on social media.

Small Business Saturday is a non-commercial, grassroots initiative aimed at supporting the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses, which span everything from independent shops and restaurants to service providers like accountants and plumbers. On the day itself, small businesses often host events, offer promotions, and engage with their communities to attract customers.

With a long-standing impact that goes beyond just one day, Small Business Saturday remains a key driver of support for the nation’s entrepreneurs, particularly as small firms continue to adapt and grow in a post-pandemic world.

For more information on this year’s SmallBiz100, visit the Small Business Saturday UK website.