Small Business Saturday UK to host special MediaCityUK event to champion local business

National campaign spotlights small businesses across the country and their contribution to communities

The UK’s most successful small business campaign is coming to MediaCityUK, Salford, for the first time as it continues its build-up to Small Business Saturday in December.

The Small Business Saturday bus will park up in front of MediaCityUK’s iconic dock10 studios on the morning of Friday 1 November for a special event that will gather local business and community leaders.

Small businesses and media from MediaCityUK, Salford and across Greater Manchester are invited from 9am until 11am to meet director of Small Business Saturday Michelle Ovens, and get involved in networking and activities.

The bus will feature a special ‘Blue Sofa’ interview series, where small businesses, entrepreneurs and leading local figures will share stories about their small business or their local area to a Facebook live audience.

A grassroots, not-for-profit campaign, Small Business Saturday was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010. It is now in its seventh year in the UK, with the aim of supporting and promoting the UK’s 5.8 million small businesses. American Express remains the principal supporter of the campaign in the UK, as part of its on-going commitment to encourage consumers to shop small.

Following the MediaCityUK event, the campaign will begin its annual bus tour on Monday 4 November in Blackpool before across Britain, visiting almost 30 locations in 30 days ahead of Small Business Saturday on 7 December.

Michelle Ovens MBE, Director of Small Business Saturday, said:

“We are excited for the Small Business Saturday bus to visit MediaCityUK, an inspiring story of how areas can be regenerated with the right planning and a community mindset. It is an area that was built for UK media but has thrived thanks to its impressive small businesses; from restaurants and bars to tech start-ups and production companies, that have given a new lease of life to Salford Quays.

“But this is not just a campaign for one day, we want it to inspire more people to support their local independents on a regular basis. This special event is another way we are able to recognise the contribution small businesses make in towns across the country.”

Josie Cahill, MediaCityUK’s Head of Stakeholder Engagement, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome the Small Business Saturday bus to MediaCityUK. It’s a fantastic campaign that we would encourage all local businesses to get involved with. MediaCityUK is passionate about supporting small firms and we already work with and support many small businesses here, and in the wider Salford area.

“This is a great opportunity to put small businesses in the spotlight. They are already doing amazing things for our community and deserve greater recognition for their role in the area’s transformation.”

Small Business Saturday last year saw an estimated £812m spent on the day with small businesses across the UK.

The #SmallBizSatUK trended in the UK top 5 on Twitter on the day, reaching over 100 million people globally.

The Prime Minister, the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Mayor of London were among those publicly supporting the campaign, alongside more than 90% of local councils.

Small Business Saturday also benefits from the backing of leading business organisations including the Federation of Small Businesses, Indeed and Dell. The campaign is also supported by Amazon, printed.com, Square and Xero.

For any questions about visiting the Small Business Saturday Bus on the 1st November, or to arrange an interview with Michelle Ovens MBE, Director of Small Business Saturday, please contact smallbusinesssaturday@wearesevenhills.com

#FindYourLocalHero

Notes to Editors

Media Contacts

Seven Hills (on behalf of Small Business Saturday) smallbusinesssaturday@wearesevenhills.com

About Small Business Saturday

A grassroots, not-for-profit campaign, Small Business Saturday was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010. American Express remains the principal supporter of the campaign in the UK, as part of its on-going commitment to encourage consumers to shop small.

The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses.

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 discounts.

More information on Small Business Saturday can also be found at:
Website – https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/ Facebook.com/smallbusinesssaturdayuk
Instagram – @SmallBizSatUK #FindYourLocalHero
Twitter -@SmallBizSatUK #FindYourLocalHero

About MediaCityUK
MediaCityUK is a joint venture between Peel L&P and Legal and General Capital. The development is home to BBC North, ITV, the University of Salford, dock10 and innovation hub – The Landing, as well as a number of blue-chip companies including Ericsson, Kellogg’s, The Hut Group and Huawei. It also hosts over 250 smaller creative and tech businesses.

Peel L&P’s and Legal and General Capital inclusive and collaborative place-led approach to the future development of MediaCityUK, as a key district of Salford and Greater Manchester, will ensure it continues to grow from strength to strength over the coming decade.