Wealden residents are being encouraged to shop locally and support small traders in the run up to Christmas.

In Wealden, 91% of the district’s businesses are micro businesses with less than 10 employees and this year, with the current financial pressures, it is more important than ever to support local shops and businesses.

There is a wide range of fantastic businesses in the district offering an array of goods and services, so customers won’t be short of choice and for every £1 spent, 38p stays within the local economy.

Small Business Saturday – taking place on Saturday 3 December - is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign. Now in its 10th year, it is the UK's most successful small business campaign and celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to shop local and support small businesses in their communities.

The campaign engages millions of people each year, with billions spent with small businesses on the day. On Small Business Saturday customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses online, in offices and in stores, many small businesses take part in the day by hosting events and offering promotions.

Businesses will benefit from free advertising on the Small Business Saturday website and the use of free marketing materials, all they need to do is register their small business and download the ready to use logos and marketing pack.

Customers can use the Small Business Saturday website to browse the businesses in their area and download their free cook book full of recipes from small businesses across the UK.

As a local authority, Wealden District Council is supporting Small Business Saturday by promoting the campaign through our various communications channels including our business newsletter and social media pages.

Councillor Philip Lunn, portfolio holder for Commercial and Economic Development, said, “This campaign has been very successful over the years and continues to emphasise the importance and value that we as a local authority place on our small businesses. They work hard and we wish them the very best with their efforts over the forthcoming Christmas period and beyond.”

The campaign encourages everyone to share how they are supporting Small Business Saturday on their social media channels and tag the organisers along with #SmallBizSatUK.