Blackpool launch for business bus tour

Blackpool, the town where the Federation of Small Businesses was founded, has been chosen as the place to launch the organisation's support campaign for Small Business Saturday.
The Small Business Saturday bus launch at FSB BlackpoolThe Small Business Saturday bus launch at FSB Blackpool
The Small Business Saturday bus launch at FSB Blackpool

Small Business Saturday is the annual drive now in its fourth year which supports local retailers and businesses and encourages people to use them before they lose them.

The national day will take place on December 3 but before that a special Small Business Saturday bus, unveiled at the FSB head offices in Squires Gate, will travel the length of the nation to promote the event.

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FSB national chairman Mike Cherry said he was delighted to see the bus getting ready for its trek at the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Federation of Small Business offices.

He said: “We are looking for people to recognise the huge contribution small businesses make to both the local and national economy.

“It’s not just about retailers, it’s about manufacturing and professional services too and everything they do in their local communities, giving people jobs, supporting local charities.

“We are delighted to be working with Small Business Saturday. The bus will travel from A to B, Aberdeen to Bournemouth to ask people to support small businesses.”

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The director of Small Business Saturday, the organisation behind the campaign, Michelle Ovens, said: “We are in our fourth year and this is the biggest small business support campaign in the country.

“More than £620m is spent with small businesses and on Small Business Saturday,over £150m has been spent since we started. These businesses are the heart and soul of our communities, if we don’t use them we will lose them.”

She said the bus will visit 29 towns on its five week tour zig-zagging across the country and at each stop a variety of events and stalls will be put on for the public.

Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden was there to see the bus unveiled.

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He said: “It is fantastic that the Small Business Saturday run-up campaign has chosen to launch in Blackpool at the headquarters of the Blackpool Fylde and Wyre FSB.

“I and my office will be working with Geoff Reeves (from the council-run Get Started scheme) and everyone at Blackpool Council to identify some of the great small businesses we are all working to promote.

“As Shadow Skills Minister I know how important the role of small business is in providing skills and employment for local people.”