Blackpool arts organisation Aunty Social has been named as one of the nation’s 100 most impressive small firms by the Small Business Saturday UK campaign, as it kicks off a wider call to encourage public support for small businesses.
Aunty Social CIC is a community arts organisation that gives people opportunities to develop their creativity, learn new skills and connect with others through positive arty activities. It was founded by a group of friends looking for fun, social and affordable creative events to attend in their hometown in 2011. In 2022, they opened their town centre premises on Topping Street, Blackpool, home to their much-loved retail space, showcasing products from over 60 local artist, makers and designers.
We’re hoping it will help highlight Blackpool’s high street. There are so many small and independent businesses returning and thriving here, proving that Blackpool’s high street is definitely not dead.”
Following a nationwide search, the Blackpool business has been selected as part of this year’s SmallBiz100 line-up, which showcases 100 of the most impressive independent businesses from across the nation as part of the count-down to Small Business Saturday on 7 December.
Running in the UK for over a decade, Small Business Saturday is the UK’s most successful small business campaign, taking place each year on the first weekend in December, it celebrates small businesses, encouraging consumers to ‘shop local’ and to support businesses in their communities.
Joe Booth, director of Aunty Social said: “We’re really excited about being named in this years SmallBiz100 line-up. We’ve had a great 2 years in our new home on Topping Street, and have been following SmallBiz100 for the past 5 years. To be included, with so many other brilliant businesses from across the UK is a real privilege. We’re hoping it will help highlight Blackpool’s high street. There are so many small and independent businesses returning and thriving here, proving that Blackpool’s high street is definitely not dead.”
Aunty Social will be profiled by the campaign on Monday 7th October as part of the 100-day countdown to Small Business Saturday UK.
“It’s great to celebrate Aunty Social as part of this year’s campaign,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK.
“This year’s SmallBiz100 list shows the huge contribution small businesses make to their communities and the wider UK economy. Despite the economy turning a corner, the nation’s small businesses continue to feel the fallout of a challenging few years and still need significant support to get back on their feet. Small Business Saturday is all about getting the nation to come out in force and show its love for our local businesses.”
With a mission to support and celebrate the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses, Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign. It was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010, and the brand remains the principal supporter of the campaign in the UK.
On Small Business Saturday, customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, from independent shops and restaurants to small service and b2b businesses like accountants and plumbers. Many small businesses take an active role in promoting the day by hosting events and offering promotions. Since the UK campaign started in 2013, it has reached millions of people and seen billions spent with small businesses on the day itself, with impact that lasts all year round.
Last year, the campaign received support from the Prime Minister, the Mayor of London, as well as the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Over 90% of local councils also supported the campaign, which trended across social media on the day.
To get involved in Small Business Saturday UK visit https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com
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