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yesterday

Government, Campaigners and Royal Family Urge UK to Shop Small on Small Business Saturday

Projections of roughly £5 billion in festive spending with independents highlight a national push that ties public support to measures tackling late payments.

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Overview

  • Ministers called on shoppers to visit local independents today as Small Business Saturday gets underway across the UK.
  • The government unveiled its Backing Your Business campaign alongside a Small Business Plan that promises the strongest late‑payment reforms in 25 years.
  • Campaign research expects a 19% year‑on‑year rise in Christmas spending with small firms to around £5–£5.3 billion.
  • The Royal Family publicly thanked more than 220 sole traders and SMEs involved in Buckingham Palace’s Reservicing Programme, adding high‑profile support.
  • Officials note 5.7 million small businesses employ about 60% of the UK workforce and generate £2.8 trillion in turnover, with American Express reporting 10 million shoppers spent £634 million on the day last year.