December 4, 2013 9.58 am This story is over 128 months old

Lincoln welcomes UK’s first Small Business Saturday

Lincoln means business: Alongside the Lincoln Christmas Market, shoppers are being encouraged to support Small Business Saturday.
Photo: Emily Norton

City of Lincoln Council are encouraging people to discover something new this weekend as part of a new shopping event called Small Business Saturday, the first in the UK.

On December 7, people in Lincoln will be invited to celebrate and support small businesses, recognising all they do for the community.

City of Lincoln Council not only wishes to encourage residents to shop locally, but also to try out a shop they haven’t been in before and discover something new.

With Lincoln’s Christmas Market taking place between December 5 and 8, there’s no better time to support small businesses while taking a look around what the city’s prestigious event has to offer.

Small businesses in Lincoln provide a range of local produce and Lincolnshire foods.

The council are keen to encourage shoppers to also take the opportunity to visit one of the city’s many Eastern European or Asian shops.

Halina Davies, the council’s Economic Development Manager, said: “This is a great opportunity to try something new and see what’s available on your doorstep.

“Small independent businesses play an important role in our communities, and they are especially vital in a strong visitor based economy like Lincoln’s.”

“Although Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity to raise their profile, we should aim to make shopping locally ‘business as usual’ all year round.”

Karl McCartney, Lincoln MP, added: “I am especially pleased that the Government of which I am a part are particularly helping innovative and local entrepreneurs in Lincoln and the Country as I spent a large part of my working professional life before being elected working with small and medium sized businesses to assist their development and profitability.

“Our economy relies on small and medium sized businesses – their innovation, employment, income generation and contribution provides the backbone of prosperity for our Nation.

“This weekend is already a highlight in Lincoln’s small business calendar in that the Christmas Market sees opportunities for many entrepreneurs and both small and medium sized businesses in our City to ensure that they enjoy a sharp increase in trade and business leading up to Christmas and into the New Year.”