Business management

Shop small this Christmas

With the UK’s small businesses needing our support now more than ever, Campaign Shop Independent is back to encourage everyone to shop small this festive season. There’s a special announcement, too…

30 Nov 2020 . 3 min read

After an extraordinary year largely defined by the coronavirus, the business environment remains challenging for many. As uncertain as 2020 has been, though, for businesses of all sizes, we have still seen inspiring displays of resilience, versatility and fellowship among businesses, as well as an uptick in people daring to dream and start their own enterprise.

There has also been increasing awareness among consumers that by supporting their local small and independent businesses, they’re giving back to passionate and purposeful entrepreneurs who were there for them through some of the worst days of the pandemic.

Christmas can be a pivotal time of year for small businesses – which is where you and Campaign Shop Independent come in.

Campaign Shop Independent

Holly Tucker MBE, founder of Notonthehighstreet and Holly & Co, is bringing back Campaign Shop Independent for its fourth year to cheerlead independents at Christmas and encourage everyone to shop small and support local. For many, this may mean shopping online or through click-and-collect services while lockdown restrictions remain.

Tucker explains: “I have been in awe of the strength, determination, adaptability and resilience that founders have shown. I have also been encouraged by the consumer appetite for shopping from small and independent British businesses. I truly believe the future of small is incredibly bright. It is my greatest honour to lead this campaign.”

I have been in awe of the strength, determination, adaptability and resilience that founders have shown… I truly believe the future of small is incredibly bright

Holly Tucker MBE

Founder, Notonthehighstreet and Holly & Co

There are numerous ways in which small businesses and consumers can get involved in Campaign Shop Independent – which is supported by NatWest – from pledging support and sharing bespoke artwork on your social platforms to nominating your local town to receive exclusive Shop Independent campaign merchandise.

Independent Awards 2020

Holly & Co is also thrilled to announce another initiative to help fly the flag for the small business community.

This year sees the launch of the annual Independent Awards, which means that from 19 November until 3 December 2020, the public can vote for their favourite independent.

Designed to showcase the very best in creative independents – online or offline, in shops or studios – the awards have the largest cash prize of any small business awards in the UK, with £70,000 up for grabs.

Tucker says: “As a small business champion for nearly 20 years, I consistently see such incredible talent which I knew, more than ever, needed a platform to shine. My hope is that these annual awards will both champion small businesses just at the moment they so desperately need it, and shine a light on the colour and creativity that small businesses bring to our lives and society.”

Find out more

To pledge your support, join the campaign, vote for your favourite independent in the awards, and – most importantly – support small businesses this Christmas, watch the video below, follow @hollytucker on Instagram and visit holly.co.

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