Email to a FriendSmall Businesses Need Your Support!
We think it’s really important to support small businesses, and there's never been a more crucial time than right now.
During the pandemic communities rallied around their local suppliers and support for small businesses increased. According to Shopify research; of those surveyed who reported shopping locally, 79% said they did so to protect their communities. “People are realizing, ‘If I don’t seek out independent businesses, they will cease to exist,’” says Satish Kanwar, VP Product, Shopify.
Economic uncertainty and continued supply chain woes mean that post-pandemic these businesses still need our support.
SMEs account for three-fifths of the employment and around half of turnover in the UK private sector.
At the start of 2023 there were 5.5 million small businesses (with 0 to 49 employees), 99.2% of the total business population.
With some small businesses being run by just one person, you are making a huge difference to their lives. Plus, you often receive a more personal service, with more thought and love going into the products and services.
Small Businesses Keep Your Community Interesting
Local businesses give a community its flavour. The combined presence of your town's many local businesses make it different from every other place in the world.
They cater to niche customers
Small businesses are often created to solve a problem that exists or a product that isn't available. Underrepresented founders often cater to the unique needs of their own communities. Entrepreneurship becomes a way to bypass discrimination or bias—allowing them to build products or offer services on their own terms.
Supporting small businesses helps underrepresented founders thrive and build strength in their communities, paving the way for future generations.
Why Support Small Businesses?
Small business owners are important to the economic and social fabric of our society, which is why it’s so important to support them.
They make a positive impact to the local economy.
New businesses and entrepreneurship inspires and promotes growth and more entrepreneurship. Growing companies, some started from kitchen tables and spare bedrooms enable other small businesses to thrive in their wake.
When you buy local, your money is much more likely to stay in the community and help local development. This is called the multiplier effect. For example, a restaurant buying ingredients from local suppliers or a local mortgage broker hiring a local design firm. This helps the whole business community prosper. When you buy local, significantly more of that money stays in the local community.
For every £1 spent with local businesses, typically around 56 extra pence is spent locally.
They put the customer first
Many new business owners launch as a solo venture and therefore fill every role in the business, including customer service. The good ones will often bend over backward for each shopper—because every customer matters when you’re small.
Sustainable Shopping
Smaller businesses often have the means to source products and manufacture locally and because of smaller quantities. They are often makers, producing goods locally. Or they are resellers of products made by other small brands.You may pay more for these goods, however, you’re paying for the peace of mind that comes with sustainable and ethical production.
How To Support Small Businesses
Here are 5 easy ways to support small businesses.Discover Handmade Gifts
Whether you're on the search for jewellery, posters, mugs or blankets, there are so many handmade businesses out there just waiting to be discovered.
Check out Local Markets
You’ll find lots of markets local to you. Each one featuring small businesses with great products and a friendly service.
Do your shopping Locally
Supporting your local small businesses is a great way to connect with your community and give something back.
You can search online for local businesses, or ask your friends and family for recommendations too.
Local Groceries
Support your local farmer and buy locally sourced ingredients. It’s easy to head to the supermarkets to get food but you may be missing out on delicious local produce.
Share the Love and Spread The Word
If you’ve found a small business who has offered amazing service or a wonderfully unique product. Now it’s time to shout about them! Share your photos on social media, leave a review, tell your friends.
Supporting Small Business Matters
Small businesses continue to be the bread and butter of our economy. And although local small businesses are considered the underdogs next to large corporations, the pros of supporting locally run businesses have never been clearer.
Supporting your community - one local business at a time.
Successful local businesses bring character and variety to an area, attracting more tourists (think of Edinburgh or Manchester) and boosting the prices of nearby homes. Local businesses also create revenue that supports council services, such as libraries, parks and roads.