by Mandy Payne, Economic Development Officer
We are really looking forward to welcoming the Small Business Saturday Bus Tour to Christchurch on Wednesday 21 November 2018.
The Small Business Saturday Tour Bus travels around the UK for five weeks from 25 October, stopping at 30 towns and cities including Christchurch! The bus will be parked at the Pit Site Car Park and open for business from 10am to 2pm.
We are also very pleased to confirm that the Mayor of Christchurch, Councillor Mrs Lesley Dedman and Councillor David Flagg, Leader of the Christchurch Borough Council and Councillor Mrs Trish Jamieson, Deputy Leader of Christchurch Borough Council will be there to welcome the bus.
Twenty local small businesses have the opportunity to book a table next to the bus giving them chance to speak to the visiting public and other small business owners about their business. There will also be a mentoring programme running on the day where small businesses will hear from successful small business owners who will be providing valuable support and advice on running small business. However, please remember both opportunities must be booked in advance via the Small Business Saturday website.
The ‘Blue Sofa’ interviews also provide Facebook followers with insights into small business success and other helpful information.
Christchurch is home to so many small businesses, some working from premises in and around the town and others based at people’s homes.
Being self-employed can be very rewarding but you can also feel quite isolated at times. Initiatives such as Small Business Saturday put the spotlight on small business successes and enable small business owners to come together to celebrate their hard work and achievements, and share ideas on developing and growing their businesses.
Launched in 2013, Small Business Saturday celebrates small business success across the UK and encourages the nation to ‘shop local’ and support British small businesses. This year, Small Business Saturday takes place on 1 December 2018.
Welcoming the Small Business Saturday Bus Tour not only highlights our local small businesses but raises the profile of the town too. Small Business owners are invited to come along to meet other small businesses on the day.
We look forward to welcoming you on board!