‘The interaction and banter local shops provide is priceless’: Small businesses gear up for their own version of Black Friday

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Small Business Saturday started after the 2008 financial crisis, led by firms like payments giant American Express, in an effort to rejuvenate independent stores. “There will always be growth in e-commerce but there is a strong, genuine demand for customers to have that interaction, that banter local shops provide, which is priceless.” The government said it wants to help out small businesses with a new advice scheme called the Business Growth Service which will roll out in the new year to tackle the amount of time they spend on administration. Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern MP said: “This Small Business Saturday let’s support the UK’s incredible small, independent firms. “And if you are a small business owner, I encourage you to think about using our brilliant Jobcentres the next time you need to hire – we stand ready to help you recruit and find your next star employee.” Founder of Small Business Britain Michelle Ovens CBE said: " A thriving small business community leads to a thriving country, so we look forward to working with the Government to further develop this initiative in 2025."