The Small Business Saturday Tour takes place in November, showcasing and celebrating local businesses in 23 towns and cities across the UK.
Small Business Saturday has announced plans to visit 23 towns and cities across the country this Autumn in the run-up to Small Business Saturday on 6 December and it is encouraging small firms to get involved.
The Tour, backed by BT, is designed to celebrate the UK’s small business community and recognise the vital role of small firms in boosting local economies and creating jobs. The Tour will “shine a light on business owners, their stories and the incredible local communities at the heart of the UK’s 5.45 million small businesses”.
The month-long roadshow will start in Lossiemouth, Scotland on 3 November and continue across the rest of the UK, visiting a wide range of locations including Belfast, Manchester, Durham, Preston, Carlisle, Derby, Grimsby, Wrexham, Hereford, Newport, Plymouth, Salisbury, Cambridge and London.
Planned stops include visits to a range of small businesses, from a cycling adventure firm in Scotland and luxury handmade chocolatier in the North of England, to bakeries in Wales and a shoe repair business in the South.
"The Tour is a fabulous celebration of entrepreneurial spirit, culminating in Small Business Saturday and we can't wait to be part of the magic again in 2025! If the tour is heading your way, don’t miss it. Get involved, show up and soak up the support, energy and wider community." Carol Jackson, owner of ELJ Drinks Ltd.
Taking place on 6 December, Small Business Saturday is backed by its principal supporter American Express. Now in its 13th year, Small Business Saturday has helped generate billions of pounds in spending at small businesses across the UK.
Online support for small businesses
While the roadshow takes place, the campaign will also offer a full month of free online support for small businesses all over the UK, including daily workshops, mentoring sessions and insight events featuring small business owners and industry experts.
"Small Business Saturday is all about championing the incredible entrepreneurs who bring passion, innovation and heart to communities across the UK. The Tour gives us the opportunity to hit the road and engage directly with the nation’s favourite small businesses, celebrating their unique stories and the essential role they play in strengthening local economies." Michelle Ovens, director, Small Business Saturday UK.
Meet the UK’s 100 most inspiring entrepreneurs
Small Business Saturday has also launched this year’s SmallBiz100 campaign, celebrating the nation’s favourite small firms. The UK’s 100 most inspiring and innovative small businesses for 2025 include Hive Mind Mead in Monmouthshire (pictured), North Wales pottery cafe Tan y Ddraig, Belfast-based natural children’s haircare brand Percy & Pop, Scotland’s Alloa Ballet Company and fintech platform The Investment Analyst.
Each business will be showcased as part of a 100-day countdown to Small Business Saturday on 6 December. “Small businesses are the nation’s favourite businesses - bringing immeasurable value to our local communities and powering the wider economy,” said Michelle Ovens, director of Small Business Saturday UK. “From family-run cafés and local restaurants, to independent makers, services and traders, this year’s SmallBiz100 represents some of the UK’s most-loved small businesses.”
“We’re incredibly proud to be selected as part of this year’s SmallBiz100. Being recognised in this way shines a spotlight on the dedication and love we pour into what we do every day. The Small Business Saturday campaign is such an important initiative. It not only champions the creativity and resilience of independent businesses across the UK, but also reminds communities how vital it is to shop local and support the businesses that bring character and heart to our high streets.” Maya Eilon, co-founder, Mont58 Coffee.
Optimism among the UK’s small businesses has grown for a third consecutive year, according to American Express’ SME Barometer research conducted in partnership with Small Business Saturday. Its poll of decision-makers at 1,000 UK SMEs has found that 69% say they are confident about the future of their company, up from 67% in 2023 and 65% in 2022. In addition, 57% of respondents expect sales to be better this year than in Q4 2024.
Written by Rachel Miller.