Bristol Prepares for Small Business Saturday 2015

Many of Bristol’s business community will come together and join up for the UK’s annual Small Business Saturday on 5 December, representing how it is backing the range of events and activities going on on the day.

Small Business Saturday aims to acknowledge the contribution the sector makes to the economy, in conjunction with encouraging people to support their local small businesses in the run-up to the day, on the day itself and beyond.

Bristol’s small business sector is known for its vibrancy as well as its contribution to the city’s unique independent character.

There are just over 16,200 small businesses (those that employ up to 50 people) in Bristol - constituting 97.8% of the city’s overall business stock, this is according to the latest figures. 

A national bus tour leading up to Small Business Saturday will be stopping off at College Green on Thursday 26 November, from 10am to 1pm.  Organisations and business support agencies including the Federation of Small Businesses and the Fredericks Foundation will be on hand to help promote the visit.

These events are too take place across the city on 5 December involving venues such as Bristol Local Christmas Market, Brunel Square Christmas Market, East Street Market in Bedminster, Harbourside Christmas Market, Made in Bristol Gift Fair, Market at the Moon, Royal York Crescent Christmas Fayre, St Nicholas Market and Young Enterprise Trade Fair, and Whiteladies Road Farmers’ Market.

Councillor Simon Cook, Bristol City Council’s Assistant Mayor for Place with responsibility for the economy, said: “Small Business Saturday provides us with a great opportunity to celebrate both the number and range of small businesses across Bristol.

“Small businesses are fundamental not only to the city’s thriving economy, but also to its unique character too.

“The Small Business Saturday campaign also gives us the chance to highlight the support available to the sector from the council and our partners."

Anyone who is planning an event and would like it promoted by Bristol City Council as part of Small Business Saturday is asked to email the details to business@bristol.gov.uk.

The council works to promote the city’s small businesses using social media. Follow @ShopLocalBris on Twitter to obtain information all year around.

Further information can be found at www.bristol.gov.uk/sbs2015, www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com or via Twitter @SmallBizSatUK.