New research has revealed the nation’s top 10 most-loved small businesses, as campaigners call for support ahead of Small Business Saturday on December 6.
The public is being urged to spend with small businesses this weekend and beyond, as research from Small Business Saturday UK and its principal supporter, American Express, shows that independent cafés and coffee shops, restaurants and takeaways, bakeries, bars and pubs, and hair salons top the UK’s list of favourite small businesses. Gift shops, garden centres and book shops also make it into the top 10:
- Cafés and coffee shops – loved by almost one third of Brits (32%)
- Restaurants and takeaways (21%)
- Bakeries (19%)
- Bars and pubs (16%)
- Hairdressers and barbers (15%)
- Convenience stores (13%)
- Bookshops (10%)
- Garden centres (10%)
- GIFT SHOPS (9%)
- Garages and mechanics (9%)
The research shows strong public support for all small businesses, with over half of Brits (58%) having a favourite local business. Four in five (84%) believe it is important to support small firms, while 95% think they add value to local communities.
In a sign of an improved economic confidence, Small Business Saturday’s analysis found that the nation could spend a total of over £23 billion across the festive season – a 16% nominal rise on last year’s predictions. Over a quarter (28%) of Brits also expect to splash out more on Christmas this year.
On average, Brits intend to spend one fifth (22%) of their seasonal spending with small businesses, representing £5.3 billion in potential gains for firms to tap into.
Michelle Ovens CBE, director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: “Small businesses are the nation’s favourite businesses, and they’re essential to both their communities and the whole UK economy. This Small Business Saturday we would love to see everyone go out and support their favourite independents, whether on the high street or online, and show entrepreneurs that the public is backing them all the way.”
Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, not-for-profit campaign that encourages the public to support and spend with small businesses. Last year, more than 10 million Brits shopped small on Small Business Saturday, according to American Express, with a collective £634 million in-store and online on the day. The average spend per person reached its highest level since 2020.
Dan Edelman, general manager, UK Merchant Services at American Express, added: “Behind every small business is a person – a dreamer, a doer, and someone devoted to serving their community. This research shows how much the public values these individuals – and Amex is proud to back them as principal supporter of Small Business Saturday.”
https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com
