Independent businesses in Edinburgh celebrated as part of Small Business Saturday’s Tour highlighting the nation’s favourite businesses
Local businesses in Edinburgh were in the spotlight this week when Small Business Saturday’s UK-wide roadshow visited the city, celebrating the nation’s favourite small businesses and their vital role in local communities.
‘The Tour’, designed to champion small businesses across the UK in the run up to Small Business Saturday on 6 December, featured ‘behind the scenes’ visits to a selection of Edinburgh’s businesses, highlighting their stories, successes, and ambitions for the future.
Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign that celebrates small businesses and encourages consumers to support and spend with small firms.
During the visit, the roadshow met Jen Byrne, owner of By Jen Byrne, who creates beautiful, sustainable pieces from vintage and repurposed fabrics.
Jen said: “It means so much to have been visited by the Small Business Saturday roadshow team, and recognised as an independent fashion designer creating sustainable garments.”
Once again supported by BT, the Small Business Saturday roadshow is visiting over 20 towns and cities across the UK throughout November, showcasing local businesses on social media alongside offering a range of free online support for small business owners.
Local businesses featured during the Edinburgh stop included PekoeTea, run by Jon (above) and Esther Cooper, a specialist tea company that handcrafts all of its blends just minutes from their shop, and Transfer Magic, run by Pete Harper, who digitises everything from videotapes and cine film to camcorder footage, helping preserve cherished memories for future generations.
“As a small business owner, it’s incredibly valuable to have Small Business Saturday championing our cause and shining a spotlight on how we make a living here at Transfer Magic”, Pete said.
“Participating in the tour will hopefully be really fruitful as we enter into the Christmas season. The webinars that run alongside the tour have given me great insight into how to better run my small business, and I’ll be using those lessons in the new year and beyond.”
Also featured was JustBe Botanicals, founded by Gail Bryden, which produces natural skincare and aromatherapy gifts. She said: “Being part of the Small Business Saturday roadshow is incredible because it puts the spotlight on businesses that otherwise wouldn’t get that sort of reach.
“Running up to Christmas is such an important time for small businesses and that’s why campaigns like Small Business Saturday are so important. When you shop local, that spend stays within your community, so go and support your small businesses.”
Following its stop in Edinburgh, Small Business Saturday’s roadshow will continue to Preston, Carlisle, and Manchester, ahead of the campaign on 6 December.
“It’s incredible to have the opportunity to visit Edinburgh and hear directly from local entrepreneurs about their passion, innovation, and plans for growth,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK.
“This year we’re highlighting the nation’s favourite businesses, which are the lifeblood of local communities, and it’s fantastic to see the support and enthusiasm they receive during the campaign.”
Alongside the roadshow, Small Business Saturday is offering small businesses in Edinburgh and all over the UK a month of dedicated, free online business support, including webinars on a wide range of small business topics, as well as mentoring from business experts.
“Small businesses are vital to the UK economy, and giving entrepreneurs the right support and guidance is crucial to their success,” said Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer, UK Business, at BT.
“The Tour provides a valuable opportunity to connect directly with small businesses across the country, offering tailored guidance and practical resources to help them grow and adapt. It’s a powerful initiative that brings businesses together to drive innovation, strengthen local communities, and build a more resilient economy.”
Backed by principal supporter American Express, Small Business Saturday has been running for over a decade since 2013. Over this time it has engaged millions of people and seen billions of pounds spent with small businesses across the UK on Small Business Saturday, with an impact that lasts all year round.
On Small Business Saturday, customers across the country are encouraged to support local businesses, whether online, in stores, or at events, many of which are offering special promotions to mark the day.
The Small Business Saturday Tour team will travel across the UK in branded electric vehicles, reflecting the sustainable practices many small business owners are adopting in the race to net zero.
To follow The Tour’s journey visit @SmallBizSatUK on Instagram.
Small businesses can head to the Small Business Saturday website to access free business support and get involved in the campaign –
https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour#VirtualRoadshow