Local communities in the East Midlands are being encouraged to support Small Business Saturday this weekend, after figures revealed 772,000 people are employed by small firms in the region.
As the first Small Business Saturday held in the UK approaches (7 December), the Government has underlined the importance of small businesses to the country.
Small businesses play a critical role in the UK economy: In the East Midlands small businesses represent 43 per cent of private sector employment, with 311,700 small businesses employing 772,000 people.
Small Business Saturday is a chance for everyone to get behind the local traders that play such an important role in the local and UK economy.
Enterprise and Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said: “Small businesses are the lifeblood of the UK economy and Small Business Saturday is a chance for everyone, including the government, to get behind our small firms. It’s an idea that has taken off in America and is getting great support here too.
“With just a few days to go until Small Business Saturday – our national day for small businesses – I encourage everyone to go out this Saturday and show their support for the small businesses in their community working hard to rebuild local economies.”
On Saturday Matthew Hancock will be outlining a new package of measures to help SMEs.
To get involved with Small Business Saturday visit www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com
