CREDITON has been chosen as one of only 23 places across the UK to host the Small Business Saturday UK Tour this year, highlighting the important role local entrepreneurs play in boosting the economy, supporting communities, and driving innovation.

Small Business Saturday’s month-long UK roadshow will visit towns and cities across the country to celebrate the nation’s vibrant small business community.

Launching this autumn in Scotland - with stops in Lossiemouth, Aberdeenshire, and Edinburgh - “The Tour” will spotlight some of the UK’s most inspiring local businesses.

Backed by BT it aims to recognise the vital role of small businesses in boosting local economies, creating jobs, and supporting communities.

The nationwide journey will then continue across the rest of the UK throughout November, visiting towns and cities including Belfast, Manchester, Durham, Preston, Carlisle, Derby, Grimsby, Wrexham, Hereford, Newport, Plymouth, Salisbury, Cambridge, Crediton and London.

On Wednesday, November 19 it will be in Newport before coming to Crediton on Thursday, November 20, the next day, Friday, November 21, stopping at Plymouth.

In the lead-up to Small Business Saturday, “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, celebrating their critical contribution to the economy.

Planned stops include visiting 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.

"Being part of the Small Business Saturday Tour 2024 was such a fabulous experience! We loved welcoming the team, giving our brand more exposure and meeting so many other inspiring small businesses along the way," said Carol Jackson, Owner of ELJ Drinks Ltd.

"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. You’ll love it!"

Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign that celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to “shop local” and support businesses in their communities.

Taking place this year on December 6, Small Business Saturday is backed by its principal supporter American Express.

Now in its 13th year, Small Business Saturday has engaged millions of shoppers and helped generate billions of pounds in spending at small businesses across the UK.

Coinciding with the roadshow, the campaign will also feature a full month of free online support for small businesses all over the UK. This includes 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," said Michelle Ovens CBE, director of Small Business Saturday 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. We’re excited to begin this next chapter and highlight the creativity and resilience that make small businesses the foundation of our communities."

With the roadshow expected to cover around 3,000 miles, “The Tour” will continue to use electric vehicles to reduce emissions and showcase the sustainable choices many small business owners are making on the journey toward net zero.

“Small businesses are vital to the UK economy, and providing entrepreneurs with the right support is crucial to their success,” said Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer, UK Business, at BT.

“The Tour offers a great platform to engage with small businesses across the country, delivering tailored advice and resources to help them grow and adapt. This is an important initiative that allows businesses to connect for good, strengthening local communities and fostering innovation and resilience across the economy.”

For more information on Small Business Saturday and to get involved in The Tour visit: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com