BB&J Commercial are calling for anyone doing last minute shopping to consider supporting small businesses, to help tackle the uncertainty of this festive period.
Earlier this month, the Government backed an initiative called ‘Small Business Saturday’, which aimed to encourage more people to spend money in smaller shops, recognising their contribution to the local communities during the recent turbulent times.
This initiative highlighted how vital small businesses are to providing jobs and keeping money circulating in the local area. It also makes local towns and cities diverse, distinctive, and unique.
Many small businesses are committed to being more sustainable and improving the welfare of their employees, which is often made more difficult or expensive to do so. That is why BB&J Commercial want to share some of their favourite local businesses.
Amey Hellen, Digital Communications and Marketing Co-Ordinator said, “as a fellow marketer I understand the struggles of running a small business and gaining more exposure, which is why I find it extremely important to be supporting small businesses not just through purchasing, but through support and endorsements online. My top 3 small businesses are perfect for the festive period and beyond!”
“First is Clay by Mollie – Mollie uses clay to create the nicest accessories all year round. If you are a fan of unique earrings, this is the perfect business for you!”
“Next, we have Little Pig Crotchet – Nikki makes the most incredible items completely from scratch. Whether you are looking for a new bobble hat or a cozy scarf during the colder months, she has you covered!”
“Finally, we have Naturally Wrapt – This company does the nicest wrapping for anyone looking for something more sustainable. All these items are made from sustainably sourced materials and look perfect under the Christmas tree!”
Mark Richardson, Partner at BB&J commented “Small businesses are the life-blood of our cities. They are the ones that remain to carry on and persevere when the larger national retailers pull out, as has become self-evident over the last couple of years in many places up and down the country. They often offer more interesting and varied retail experiences than the shopping centres, so please look beyond the big retailers to see what else is out there.”
“In terms of my three local favourites, I really recommend Canopy clothing on Sadler Gate, Derby for high quality casuals above anywhere else.”
“I’m also really into collecting my vinyl records, so I like paying a visit to BPM in Blacksmiths Yard for new and collectible used vinyl. (I’m going to cheat here and also mention Rough Trade in Nottingham which is a proper record shop with literally thousands of titles and well worth a visit).”
“Finally, and a bit left field, I can’t recommend highly enough Finest of Fish in Borrowash. Trying to find decent fresh fish in the city which is geographically the furthest from the coast in the UK has been a bit of a challenge for years, but this place (plaice?) has one of the best selections I have seen anywhere. Probably one of the best examples of small independent retailers being able to provide what large national retailers can’t or won’t stock. Get there early, as when it’s gone, it’s gone!”
