Prestonians are being urged to shop local for gifts this Christmas as a small business roadshow visits the city this Friday.
Small Business Saturday takes place on Saturday 6 December and people are urged to take a break from online shopping and support their high street.
Legendary Preston record store, Action Records in Church Street, will be among the independent businesses visited as part of the Small Business Saturday roadshow this week.
Read more: Blog Foxton investigate empty shops in Preston and ask what can be done
Owner Gordon Gibson said: “We’re thrilled to be part of Small Business Saturday and to welcome the team to Preston. Our business is all about bringing joy to customers while supporting our local economy, from sourcing products from nearby traders to hosting events that draw people into the city centre.
“It’s fantastic to see this campaign shining a spotlight on the amazing small businesses that keep communities thriving.”
Other businesses visited on the day will include Townhouse Coffee in Friargate and Green Pheasant Gifts in Winckley Street.
Director of Small Business Saturday, Michelle Ovens CBE, said: “We are so excited to be visiting small businesses in Preston and all across the UK with this year’s Tour, leading up to Small Business Saturday on 6 December.
“This year’s campaign is all about shining a light on the nation’s favourite businesses, full of creativity, resilience, and heart that make them the backbone of local communities like Preston. We can’t wait to share their incredible stories and celebrate their impact.”
Preston is one of 22 towns and cities across the country picked to be visited by the American Express-backed campaign.
Preston Business Improvement District manager Mark Whittle said: “Small Business Saturday is
national event, a big deal when it comes to promoting small businesses across the country.
“We’re really pleased that the team have seen something special in Preston and have
included us as one of their preferred destinations.
“We look forward to working with the Tour Team, local partners, and of course, our brilliant
small businesses, to promote the quality and diversity of businesses that call Preston
home”.
Cabinet member for community wealth building at Labour-run Preston City Council, councillor Valerie Wise, said: “Preston is place where we champion ‘shop local’ through our ‘Preston Model’ approach to business, so we’re delighted to welcome the Small Business Saturday Tour to our city. Being included and recognised in the UK tour is a fantastic opportunity for all the independently owned business of Preston.
“Not only does the tour help to raise the profile and promote our amazing homegrown businesses, but it also offers some great longer-term opportunities for traders to access free online training, mentoring and networking with other successful small businesses across the country.”
At Blog Preston we’ve put a spotlight on many small businesses in the city, and it’s worth a listen back to The Parched Pea Podcast when John ‘Gilly’ Gillmore chatted with Gordon Gibson and also popped into Green Pheasant as part of exploring Winckley Street.
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