Government calls on the public to get out together and shop local on Small Business SaturdayÂ
National celebration of the UKâs entrepreneurs comes off the back of the flagship Small Business Plan to boost the nationâs 5.7m small businesses with the strongest reforms to tackle late payments in 25 yearsÂ
New âBacking Your Businessâ campaign launched to help businesses get what they need to thrive, from sole traders and start-ups to high street shops and family businesses Â
Help support your local small businesses this busy Christmas period â thatâs the message from the government today as it calls on friends, family, neighbours and colleagues to come together and shop local on Small Business Saturday (6 December) â a national celebration of the UKâs entrepreneurs and the 5.7 million small businesses that power our economy.
Small businesses employ 60% of the UK workforce, generate ÂŁ2.8 trillion in turnover, and are the backbone of communities across the country. New data shows that supporting them this festive season could deliver a ÂŁ5 billion boost for SMEs, with spending expected to rise 19% on last year.
The launch of the new Backing Your Business campaign comes hot on the heels of the Governmentâs flagship Small Business Plan, which includes the strongest reforms to tackle late payments in 25 years â designed to help sole traders, start-ups, family firms and high street shops access the support they need to thrive.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle said: âThis country is home to some of the brightest entrepreneurs and innovative businesses in the world and our Small Business Plan is a key driver to accelerating that potential.Â
âThis Small Business Saturday is a great chance to get out to your local high streets and support small businesses.
âWhether itâs your local shop, tradesperson, or high street retailer, these are the people who work day and night and power our communities and our economy.â
Ministers have been out and about vising a range of inspiring small businesses in the lead up to Saturday, including the innovative Stoke animation studio Carse and Waterman, award winning Glaswegian sweet shop Jeavons Toffee, and Londonâs boutique dog groomers Bow Wow.Â
Michelle Ovens CBE, Director, Small Business Saturday UK said: âSmall businesses are the nationâs favourites businesses and they are essential to both their communities and the whole economy.Â
“Indeed our research with American Express found 95% of people feel small businesses add value to local areas and 84% believe the nation needs to support them.
“At this crucial time of year for many small firms it is vital that the nation remembers their favourite small businesses and goes out to support them this Small Business Saturday and beyond.âÂ
If small business across the UK grow by just 1 percentage point annually this could add ÂŁ320 billion to the economy by 2030. As well as the campaign, the government is focused on delivering for small business by:
Tackling late payments with the strongest reforms in 25 years, going further than any previous government.
Putting more money in customersâ pockets by taking ÂŁ150 off energy bills, and freezing rail fares and prescription charges.
Raising the rate when small businesses start to pay national insurance.
Slashing electricity prices for thousands of manufacturing businesses.
Making training for under-25 apprenticeships free for small businesses.
Supporting working parents with 30 hours free childcare a week saving ÂŁ7,500.
Capping the increase in business rates as pandemic support measures taper off, with a ÂŁ4.3 billion package meaning most business property increases are capped at 15%.
Doubling eligibility for enterprise tax incentives to help fast-growing firms attract investment and talent.
Slashing red tape so that more bars and pubs can expand outdoor dining
Earlier this year, the flagship Small Business Plan was launched alongside the Business Growth Service, which included a series of measures aimed at boosting finance but also tackling the scourge of late payments with proposed laws that would be the most comprehensive reforms for 25 years.
The government has since worked closely with businesses and concluded its consultation on late payments, and it will deliver its response in the new year.
That finance package included a ÂŁ4bn finance boost including ÂŁ1bn for start-ups with 69,000 Start-Up Loans and mentoring support, and a further ÂŁ3bn boost to the British Business Bank that will help lenders offer more accessible small business loans through the ENABLE programme.
The Prime Minister hosts Christmas market-style showcase at Downing Street, celebrating small firms, frontline workers and community champions at the annual lights switch-on
PM hosts Christmas market-style showcase at Downing Street, celebrating small firms, frontline workers and community champions at the annual lights switch-on.
Small businesses are set for a bumper festive season, with spending up 19% on last year â which could provide an extra ÂŁ5 billion boost.
Budget 2025 delivered key support, including extended Rates Relief, full funding for under-25 apprenticeships, and wider enterprise tax incentives.
Small businesses from across the UK were celebrated at the annual Number 10 Christmas lights switch-on last night, as the PM brought the high street to Downing Street ahead of Small Business Saturday.
Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, making up the vast majority of jobs across the country, and serving every community on our high streets, in our markets, as traders and family businesses. Data from Small Business Britain shows they could see a ÂŁ5 billion boost this Christmas with 19% more spending than last year.
They are being joined by NHS staff, military personnel, firefighters and police to thank them for their service during the busy Christmas period, alongside community champions who represent the very essence of the governmentâs Pride in Place programme â including 14-year-old litter picker Samuel Salamone, who will switch on the lights.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: âSmall businesses are the beating heart of our economy and the backbone of our communities.
âThis Christmas, weâre not just switching on the lights â we are shining a spotlight on the incredible entrepreneurs, traders and family firms that keep our high streets thriving.
âFrom extending rates relief to funding apprenticeships, this government is backing small businesses every step of the way, because when they succeed, Britain succeeds.â
The showcases take place ahead of Small Business Saturday, which celebrates the UKâs much-loved 5.6 million small businesses and encourages the nation to show their support by shopping small.
From artisan food producers to creative retailers, among the businesses who took part were:
Wakuda â Co-founded by Albert Larter, this retail and textiles brand champions Black-owned businesses and unique designs.
Candle Wise â Isabella Beeler (Bella) crafts beautiful candles from Kent, perfect for cosy winter nights.
Young Blooms â Grace Farrimond brings floral artistry to life with wreath-making workshops and seasonal arrangements.
The Halfway at Tal-Y-Coed â A welcoming pub in Wales run by Rhiannon Metters, tackling isolation and loneliness through arts and crafts sessions for the local community.
Grasmere Gingerbread â Joanne and Andrew Hunter will bring their award-winning rum butter and ginger-themed treats from the Lake District.
Rumseyâs Handmade Chocolates â A family-run chocolate business led by Kate Rumsey, offering indulgent festive flavours.
Michelle Ovens CBE, Director, Small Business Saturday UK, said: âThe UKâs 5.6 million small businesses are absolutely vital to the UK, powering economic growth, bringing tremendous value, heart and soul to communities and innovation and impact across broader society.
“It is so crucial that the nation shows support for their favourite small firms this Small Business Saturday and beyond. We are so delighted to be at Downing Street ahead of the campaign to celebrate the phenomenal contribution of small businesses.
“A spotlight like this as the festive season kicks off is such a powerful reminder to the nation to take a moment to support their local small businesses this Saturday.â
Albert Larter, Co-founder of Wakuda, said: “âBeing a part of the small business festive market at No.10 is a real honour.
“Itâs a great way for us to showcase what we are building at Wakuda and the amazing small businesses within our community.
“Small businesses play an important role in driving culture and economic growth and opportunities like this help us keep building, keep growing, and keep empowering the community we serve.â
Rhiannon Metters, publican at The Halfway in Tal-Y-Coed, Wales, said: “âIt has been a fantastic experience to attend this Small Business Showcase and highlight the important role that pubs have in bringing people together and creating human connections.
âFrom a pint by the fire to wreath-making in the marquee, from the village shop to live music and shared skills, everything we do is about bringing people together, tackling loneliness and social isolation, supporting local makers and giving our little corner of Monmouthshire a place to gather, laugh, learn and belong.â
The festive season is a critical time for small businesses. UK households are expected to spend ÂŁ23 billion across Christmas â a 16% year-on-year rise.
Of this, an estimated ÂŁ5.3 billion could go to small firms, delivering a much-needed boost of 19% year-on-year growth. Public support remains strong, with 84% of people saying itâs important to support small businesses, and 95% believing they add local value.
This celebration comes as the Government sets out new measures in Budget 2025 to back British business:
A ÂŁ4.3 billion business rates support package to cap bill increases for sectors hit hardest by revaluations.
Continued Annual Investment Allowance of ÂŁ1 million and a new 40% First Year Allowance for main rate assets â giving businesses strong incentives to invest.
Targeted reliefs for smaller businesses and high street firms, ensuring the system is fair and competitive.
Extended fuel duty cut to keep van and lorry journeys affordable for businesses.
Doubling eligibility for enterprise tax incentives to help fast-growing firms attract investment and talent.
It also comes after the government launched its flagship Small Business Plan earlier this year, which committed to the biggest reforms to late payments in 25 years to make sure businesses get paid on time.
This included decisive action to boost access to finance for entrepreneurs, address the impact of âpersonal guaranteesâ on small business owners, and slash red tape to boost our pubs, bars and arts venues.
As part of the plan, the government also launched Business Growth Service last week which makes it easier for SMEs to get the help they need, saving them time and money to spend growing their business.
Scotland to direct just under a quarter of its festive spend to local small bizÂ
22% expected to spend more this festive season with food, gifts, clothing and alcohol top of the regionâs spending plans
Over half will spend on nights out – more than the national average
Small businesses across Scotland are gearing up to take their share of a much-needed Christmas boost, as new data predicts the UK could spend ÂŁ5.3 billion with small firms over the festive period, delivering critical end-of-year gains for this vital segment of the economy.
In wider positive economic signs, the new data from the Small Business Saturday campaign also found Brits could spend over ÂŁ23 billion in total across the UK this festive season, representing a nominal 16% year-on-year spending rise.
On average, one fifth of the nationâs seasonal spending pot could go to small businesses this year – equating to ÂŁ5.3 billion and representing an estimated 19% nominal uplift on the projected spend recorded in 2024.
And this trend is reflected across Scotland, with Scottish households set to show their love for small businesses, with just under a quarter (21%) of the Countryâs planned festive budgets tipped to go to small businesses this year.
Across Scotland over a fifth of 22% of households expect to spend more on Christmas celebrations this year than last year.
The research also showed the most popular spending priorities are food (75%), gifts (71%), alcohol (53%) and clothing (47%), while over half (51%) will put festive spending towards nights out – slightly more than the national average of 46%.
As the Small Business Saturday campaign kicks off, organisers are issuing their annual call for the nation to support and spend with small businesses on 6 December and throughout the crucial âpeakâ trading season, which is essential for sustaining many small businesses throughout the year.Â
âIt is promising to see positive economic signs ahead of this yearâs critical festive season. This bigger seasonal spending pot offers an incredible opportunity to boost the amazing small businesses across Scotland and the wider UK,â says Michelle Ovens CBE, director of Small Business Saturday UK.Â
âDespite ongoing challenges, small businesses have experienced a period of relative stability this year.
“Public support can make all the difference in helping them finally turn a corner as the year ends â especially with Black Friday and Cyber Monday on the horizon, as small firms can really struggle to keep up with deep discounting events.
“It is vital the nation gets behind our favourite small businesses so we can unleash their power in supercharging the economy next year and delivering immeasurable wider value across society and our local communities.â
Encouragingly public support for small businesses continues to stay strong, with four in five people (84%) thinking it is important to support small businesses and 95% believing they add value to the local economy.
This comes as the number of small businesses rose to 5.6 million for the first time since 2020, after a series of falls in the UKâs small business population since the pandemic.
Jean Pryde, Founder of Brilliantly Brave in Moray, Scottish Highlands, said: “Winter always brings a flutter of nerves for a small creative business, but this year we feel more hopeful than anxious.
“We put our Christmas cards out in October – thatâs early even by greeting card standards – and itâs been heartening to watch sales rise day by day through November. It feels as though people want to lean into the season again, and that support for small, values-led businesses is growing.
“For us, the festive period is not just about sales figures. Every card we send out helps fund free, local mental-health support here in Scotland, and that purpose sits behind everything we do. So if spending does rise this year, it wonât just give us a stronger winter, it will help us reach more people who need it.”
Small Business Saturday came to the UK in 2013 and is backed by principal supporter, American Express, which founded the campaign in the US in 2010. Over the time it has been running in the UK, the campaign has seen a growth in public support for small businesses with billions of pounds spent with small firms on Small Business Saturday.
Last year over 10 million Brits shopped small on Small Business Saturday, according to American Express, with a collective ÂŁ634m spent on the day itself in-store and online in 2024, and average spend per person on the day rising to a level not seen since 2020 (3).
On Small Business Saturday customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, both online and in bricks-and-mortar stores; from independent shops and restaurants to small service and b2b based businesses like accountants, plumbers and digital marketeers.
Many small businesses get involved in the campaign by hosting events, offering promotions, and collaborating with other local businesses.
Dan Edelman, General Manager, UK Merchant Services at American Express, said: “Itâs positive to see the attraction of spending with small businesses remains strong among the public, especially with the festive season fast approaching.
“American Express is proud of its long-standing support of Small Business Saturday, a vital campaign encouraging the nation to shop small, whatever their budget.â
As well as encouraging the public to make a conscious effort to spend with small firms across the festive season and beyond, campaign organisers also suggest supporting favourite independents in other ways, such as leaving positive reviews or spreading the word amongst friends and family.
To learn more about Small Business Saturday visit â
Independent businesses in Edinburgh celebrated as part of Small Business Saturdayâs Tour highlighting the nationâs favourite businesses
Local businesses in Edinburgh were in the spotlight this week when Small Business Saturdayâs UK-wide roadshow visited the city, celebrating the nationâs favourite small businesses and their vital role in local communities.Â
âThe Tourâ, designed to champion small businesses across the UK in the run up to Small Business Saturday on 6 December, featured âbehind the scenesâ visits to a selection of Edinburghâs 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: âIt means so much to have been visited by the Small Business Saturday roadshow team, and recognised as an independent fashion designer creating sustainable garments.â
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.
âAs a small business owner, itâs 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 Iâll be using those lessons in the new year and beyond.â
Also featured was JustBe Botanicals, founded by Gail Bryden, which produces natural skincare and aromatherapy gifts. She said: âBeing part of the Small Business Saturday roadshow is incredible because it puts the spotlight on businesses that otherwise wouldnât get that sort of reach.
“Running up to Christmas is such an important time for small businesses and thatâs 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.â
Following its stop in Edinburgh, Small Business Saturdayâs roadshow will continue to Preston, Carlisle, and Manchester, ahead of the campaign on 6 December.
âItâs incredible to have the opportunity to visit Edinburgh and hear directly from local entrepreneurs about their passion, innovation, and plans for growth,â said Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK.Â
âThis year weâre highlighting the nation’s favourite businesses, which are the lifeblood of local communities, and itâs fantastic to see the support and enthusiasm they receive during the campaign.âÂ
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.
âSmall businesses are vital to the UK economy, and giving entrepreneurs the right support and guidance is crucial to their success,â said Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer, UK Business, at BT.
âThe 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. Itâs a powerful initiative that brings businesses together to drive innovation, strengthen local communities, and build a more resilient economy.â
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 Tourâs 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 –Â
Campaign celebrates the people and passion driving Scotlandâs local economy as part of the countdown to Small Business SaturdayÂ
Edinburghâs small businesses are set to take centre stage this week as the Small Business Saturday nationwide roadshow rolls into town. The month-long Tour kicks off the official countdown to Small Business Saturday on 6 December. Â
Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign that celebrates small businesses and encourages consumers to support and spend with small firms.
Arriving in Edinburgh tomorrow – Wednesday, 5 November – the Small Business Saturday roadshow team will visit and profile independent businesses across the city, shining a light on the people, passion, and innovation driving the local economy and community.Â
Inspiring stories of local entrepreneurs will also be shared across social media, alongside top-tips, behind-the-scenes tours, and demonstrations, giving people across the UK the chance to follow the journey and discover the talent powering Edinburghâs small business scene.
Supported by BT, the roadshow is visiting over 20 locations throughout November, including Belfast, Durham and Manchester, as it travels more than 3,000 miles across the UK.
âWe are so excited to be visiting small businesses in Edinburgh and all across the UK with this yearâs Tour, leading up to Small Business Saturday on 6th December” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK.Â
âThis yearâs campaign is all about shining a light on the nationâs favourite businesses, full of creativity, resilience, and heart that make them the backbone of local communities like Edinburgh.
“We canât wait to share their incredible stories and celebrate their impact.âÂ
As the roadshow travels around the UK, small business owners across Edinburgh and beyond can also take part in the campaignâs wider month-long online programme of free business support, including daily workshops, mentoring sessions, and insight events with industry experts and entrepreneurs.
A Small Business Happy Hour on Instagram will also take place every week, featuring giveaways from local businesses all over the country.
âSmall businesses are vital to the UK economy, and giving entrepreneurs the right support and guidance is crucial to their success,â said Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer, UKBusiness, at BT.
âThe 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.
“Itâs a powerful initiative that brings businesses together to drive innovation, strengthen local communities, and build a more resilient economy.â
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 go out and support all types of small businesses, whether online, in offices, or on the high street, with many small firms marking the day with special events and offers.
The Small Business Saturday Tour team will travel across the UK in branded electric vehicles, reflecting the sustainable choices many small business owners are making as part of their vital role in the journey towards net zero.
To follow The Tourâs 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:-
Small Business Saturday returns this weekend (2 December) for its eleventh year in the UK.
Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign which highlights small business success and encourages us to âshop localâ and support small businesses in our communities. It takes place each year on the first weekend in December.
Edinburgh’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, Councillor Jane Meagher, has been out visiting small businesses and enterprises around Leith and the Shore to mark the occasion and celebrate the areaâs recent recognition as âthe best neighbourhood in the UK and Irelandâ at the 2023 Urbanism Awards.
Clockwise Serviced Offices â Located in what was originally a bonded warehouse, Commercial Quay, the building has been converted to create open-plan office space to suit any business.
Shore Deli â Recently opened under new management, The Shore Deli serves breakfast rolls, sandwiches and salads with a wide variety of coffees and cakes.
Destined for Home â An independently run interior and gift studio which places emphasis on high quality, individuality and purpose.
The âgreat neighbourhoodâ award is one of five given out each year by The Academy of Urbanism, a network of built environment experts from across Europe. They recognise Britain and Irelandâs best place, street, neighbourhood and town and are based on several factors, including commercial success.
Small Business Saturday is an opportunity to showcase the great mix of independent shops that make Leith, and the rest of the city, such a special place to live, work and visit.
Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “It was a pleasure to visit some brilliant local businesses in Leith as Small Business Saturday kicks off. The small businesses in and around Leith and the Shore form a huge part of what makes the area so special, and the recent award is testament to this.
“Edinburgh is home to a number of fantastic small businesses that form the backbone of our high streets. They play a key role in our communities, creating vital job opportunities and contributing to the economy.
“As we continue to feel the effects of uncertain economic times, this year more than ever we need to make sure we support small enterprises and contribute everything we can to their success. I would encourage everyone to shop local, not only this Small Business Saturday but all year round.”
Support your local shops this Small Business Saturday
Small Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake urges everyone to support their local small businesses
Targeted government intervention is addressing gaps in accessing finance from traditional lenders to help them scale up and grow
Small Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake has urged everyone to go out and support their local small businesses this Small Business Saturday.
Small Business Saturday is an initiative which encourages consumers to shop locally and support small businesses in their communities and it falls on the first Saturday of December.
In a call to action the Minister said: “I urge everyone to join me in supporting our local small businesses this Small Business Saturday. The best support we can give them is to shop local this festive season.
“Every penny spent at your local small business is an investment in your community.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed small businesses, charities and local communities to Downing Street for a Christmas Market Festive Showcase on Thursday 30th November ahead of Small Business Saturday, and Minister Hollinrake was able to meet with some of the businesses beforehand.
Engagement with Small Businesses is a government priority, and Minister Hollinrake was able to discuss the important topics of accessing finance as an SME, as well as the issue of late payments, which some of the businesses reported had improved since the Department of Business and Trade published the Prompt Payment and Cash Flow Review, signalling clear government intent to back small businesses in this issue.
Supporting small businesses to scale up and grow is a clear government priority. The Chancellorâs Autumn Statement had a clear focus on growth, creating a favourable business environment that keeps more money in consumerâs pockets and reduces costs for businesses, creating the right environment for businesses to start and scale up. The increase to the National Living Wage to ÂŁ11.44 an hour, as well as cutting taxes for 29 million workers, increases consumerâ spending power, whilst businesses are supported by a ÂŁ4.3 billion business rates package.
The government backed British Business Bank is supporting ÂŁ12.4 billion of finance to over 90,000 businesses across the UK, of which 86% are outside London. The Bank is delivering a ÂŁ1.6 billion programme of Nations and Regions Investment Funds, to support growing businesses outside London and South East.
Funds covering the South West, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales have launched earlier this year, with more to follow. It has issued over 100,000 Start Up Loans since 2012 providing over ÂŁ1 billion for entrepreneurs at the start of their growth journey, 40% of whom are women and 21% from an ethnic minority background.
UK Export Finance, the governmentâs export credit agency also provides government backed guarantees on financial products through banking partners. It was recently announced at their customer conference that it is introducing more flexible, fast-track financing for small businesses â making it easier than ever for UK firms to sell in international markets.
Scottish artisan chocolatiers spotlighted this Small Business SaturdayÂ
Business Gateway is celebrating the stories of the small business community in Scotland, including Edinburgh-based Quirky Chocolate. Â
The business creates and sells unique collections of artisan chocolate from a small workshop close to Arthurâs Seat. Founded in 2008 by designer, Sandra Colamartino, who was also the first captain of the Scottish womenâs rugby team, the business combines her two favourite things: beautiful design and delicious chocolate.
Sandra began working with a chocolatier to create personalised chocolate bars with unique packaging, which has all been created using plastic-free packaging. Quirky Chocolate is also Fairtrade Cocoa certified, ensuring that the farmers who produce the cocoa that goes into their products are paid a fair price.
Sandra first connected with Business Gateway as she was launching the business, when her local adviser connected her with an accountant.
Having built up an established customer base, Sandra went on to create hand-rolled milk chocolate brussels sprouts in 2014, which became Not on The High Streetâs best-selling product for three years in a row. The product resulted in a ÂŁ1m turnover for the business alone.
Buoyed by these impressive sales, Sandra started to work on products that would sell all year long, and designed and produced the tartan collection, which includes a range of Scottish flavours such as cranachan and millionaireâs shortbread.Â
Sandra Colamartino, owner, Quirky Chocolate, said:Â âOur chocolate brussels sprouts were so well received, and generated more sales than we ever could have imagined. We needed to come up with new and exciting products to ensure this steady stream of sales continued.â
Having largely sold to a consumer audience, Sandra and the team began to move into business-to-business (B2B) sales, with a growing portfolio of top hotels in Scotland now stocking Quirky Chocolate products.
Sandra said:Â âItâs been healthy to have a balance of consumer, wholesale, and business-to-business. If you think of your business as a table, it makes sense that each leg symbolises a different avenue of potential income. If the table only has one leg, and something goes wrong, youâre completely out of the game.â Â
âThe biggest challenge, no matter what field youâre in, is the multitasking element. You must become an expert at everything, whether that be working out insurance policies, how to pay an invoice, or developing a website.
“People tend to use the word âresilienceâ when talking about setting up a new business, and I totally understand why.âÂ
Since launching, Quirky Chocolate has grown to a team of 16, made up of chocolatiers, production staff, designers and tech gurus. The business has very recently become a living wage employer and plans to grow at a steady speed while taking their employees and freelance illustrators and artists on the journey with them.
Sandra continued:Â âAs the business has matured, Iâve realised that there is so much support on offer from Business Gateway, which isnât limited to start-up support.
“Weâve recently had a referral from Business Gateway and are looking forward to a member of the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS) speaking to our team about where we can make improvements.âÂ
Hugh Lightbody, Chief Officer at Business Gateway, commented: âSmall businesses are the backbone of Scotlandâs economy. However, recent years have posed various challenges to the sector, which has contributed to Business Gateway receiving over 25,000 enquiries this year. It remains critical that we provide the necessary support. Â
âWe know that business confidence is low in light of recent global circumstances, so it is important we take opportunities such as Small Business Saturday to highlight businesses like Quirky Chocolate, which produces some really beautiful and uniquely Scottish products.
âOur resources, workshops, webinars and network of local advisers at Business Gateway all play a vital role in guiding small business owners through every step of their journey, making sure they have the knowledge and resources needed to thrive.â
Edinburghâs Small Business Champion Cllr Lezley Marion Cameron is encouraging residents to buy local this weekend and support Small Business Saturday today (4 December).
Now in its ninth year in the UK, Small Business Saturday aims to bring shoppers and business owners together to support small businesses this holiday season â and to help their communities thrive all year long.
From a knitting and sewing shop in Tollcross to a bohemian boutique jewellers in the Old Town, there are a number of different businesses spread right across Edinburgh taking part.
Cllr Cameron called into Mysa and Eden on Cockburn Street ahead of Small Business Saturday to offer her support to the group of four shops which started out life as a local market offering an eclectic range of products and gifts.
Cllr Cameron said: “Itâs great to see small businesses like Mysa and Eden thriving and taking part in Small Business Saturday this Christmas. They have a quiet hour every Sunday and theyâre dog friendly as well.
“Iâd encourage everyone to do this all year round, not just at Christmas, and if youâre out and about in your local shops, hospitality and other businesses please help us to keep everyone safe by wearing a face covering, sanitising your hands regularly and adhering to social distancing where required.
“Please also think about your impact on the environment this Christmas, be less wasteful, reuse items where you can and follow the other hints and tips featured in our new Green Christmas campaign.”
The Small Business Champion Cllr Lezley Marion Cameron visited two small businesses this week.
This was to encourage shoppers to explore and support the exciting and interesting variety of independent and interesting variety of independent shops and businesses Edinburgh has to offer.
Edinburgh Northern and Leith MSP Ben Macpherson has called on Leithers and people across the city to support the excellent shops, bars, cafes and restaurants that are open throughout the tram works on Constitution Street.
