East Midlands Chamber is pleading with people to shop locally as national lockdown ends.
Ahead of Small Business Saturday on Saturday, December 5, the chamber of commerce says it has never been more important to support local businesses that have been badly affected by coronavirus lockdowns.
Shops across the region have only just reopened following the second lockdown while most pubs and restaurants in the East Midlands remain shut.
READ MORE: {}
Now in its eighth year, Small Business Saturday takes place tomorrow and shines a light on the diverse range of brilliant small firms across the country.
Scott Knowles, chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “As so-called ‘non-essential’ retailers are finally allowed to reopen after a month of national lockdown, it is vital that they receive the support of local people.
“Businesses have invested huge amounts of money into making themselves Covid-secure but have lost out through no fault of their own as they have been forced to close again. Customers who feel safe and comfortable to visit shops again once national restrictions are lifted should be mindful to support small independents in particular.
“At a time when our city and town centres are being decimated by the collapse of chains, these are the businesses that will hopefully remain once stores around them close. They are the beating heart of high streets and a huge part of the character in what makes towns and cities unique.
“Small Business Saturday is a great initiative that highlights the wide variety of businesses that people have on their doorstep, and in 2020 it’s perhaps never been more important to give them our support.”
Most Read
A grassroots, not-for-profit campaign, Small Business Saturday was originally founded by American Express in the US in 2010. American Express remains the principal supporter of the campaign in the 海角视频, as part of its avid championing of the 海角视频 high street and commitment to encourage consumers to shop small.
Michelle Ovens, director of Small Business Saturday 海角视频, said: “This year has been incredibly tough for small businesses – financially, operationally, mentally and emotionally.
“This means our mission to support and celebrate small businesses across the 海角视频 becomes even more vital and ambitious.”
It comes as a new report suggests almost three in four small business owners are feeling optimistic and positive about 2021.
According to Yell Business, in its recent survey of over 1000 SME owners in September, things aren’t all doom and gloom for local businesses.