SMALL businesses in Rugby will be hoping for a seasonal boost during Small Business Saturday.
The national event takes place on Saturday (December 5), when shoppers are urged to support small traders and ensure they do some of their Christmas shopping on their local high street.
Warwickshire County Council and the Federation of Small Businesses are hoping the day will help champion small enterprises and help add some appeal to the smaller businesses in the town.
On the day, local businesses will offer promotions, events and activities alongside Christmas gifts.
One small business looking forward to the day is Rugby Tap, on St Matthew’s Street – a thriving, small independent business of two halves.
Having spent many years in the brewing industry, Colin Arthur began selling real ales, but now operates a new micropub next door, serving over 80 locally-sourced beers and wines.
Colin said: “A lot of people used to come into the shop and say it was a shame there was nowhere to sit down and enjoy a drink. So when the space next door became available, there was an obvious opportunity.
“I took it and now the micropub is open every day and some evenings. We can be very flexible. If there are customers wanting to sit down and have a drink, we’ll open.”
Leader of the Council Izzi Seccombe said: “In Warwickshire we have an amazingly diverse range of interesting small businesses offering all kinds of goodies that can’t necessarily be found elsewhere.
“Without them, our high streets would not be the vibrant places they are. With Small Business Saturday approaching, we are encouraging everyone to include a trip to their local high street in their Christmas shopping plans.”
The Federation of Small Businesses estimate that for every £1 spent locally, there is a benefit of £1.76 to the local economy, because the money remains in the region.
Visit the council’s dedicated Small Business Saturday page www.warwickshire.gov.uk/smallbusiness-saturday for more information.
