Small Business Saturday: Islington Council urges residents to shop and socialise locally
As the country exits lockdown and with Christmas just around the corner, Islington Council is urging residents to shop at their local independent stores to help keep their treasured small businesses alive and their high streets thriving – and to make the most of the reopened local restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs.
Town centres and high streets across Islington are now basking in the glow of Christmas lights, and after a year like no other in living memory, the borough's small businesses have never needed the support – and the spending power – of their community more.
This weekend sees Small Business Saturday, an annual national event highlighting the success of independent traders and encouraging residents to support the businesses on their doorstep – doing so safely, following the Government’s Covid-19 rules. The Christmas lights are on to help our town centres mark this special time and create that festive feeling for shoppers.
Cllr Asima Shaikh, Executive Member for Inclusive Economy and Jobs, said: “As we all know, this year has seen incredibly harsh trading conditions for small businesses. Next year will be tough too. Now more than ever they need to know just how much they mean to us. Islington needs us to shop local.
“There are so many fantastic small businesses in Islington, most of them bursting with individuality, personality, products and service you just don’t get from the faceless chain stores and identikit restaurants. We have so many local cultural venues to enjoy locally as well – all unique and central to the fabric of our communities.
“They make Islington’s high streets what they are, they employ local people and rely on us to put food on their own families’ tables.
“Now that they’re open for business again, we have every reason to celebrate and support them, especially in the run-up to Christmas!”
Everyone, including people who cannot physically visit stores, is also urged to support their local businesses by shopping online, as many have their own websites. The council maintains a directory of local businesses on its website.
Festive lights are now switched on and ready for everyone to enjoy in every town centre in Islington. Unlike previous years, the council has been unable to hold official switch-on events because of the Covid-19 restrictions. Instead, it has produced a special video showcasing all the lights around the borough, with a special heart-warming message from the Mayor of Islington, which will be shared across the council's social media channels.
Notes to editor
Islington Life has published blogs to help people and small businesses locally, including Reasons to Shop Local and Supporting Local Business, which includes a directory of local businesses.
Information on the support available to local businesses is available at islington.gov.uk/business/coronavirus-information-for-business
Contact information
If you are a member of the public with a general question about the council please view the contact information on our website or call 020 7527 2000.