North East Lincolnshire Council supports Small Business Saturday once again with free parking

Taking place this year on 6 December, the aim of Small Business Saturday (SBS) is to support and celebrate small businesses, encouraging people to shop local and support small firms in their communities. 

Small Business Saturday is a national initiative that celebrates local independent firms, including the traders and retailers that contribute to the unique character and atmosphere of our high streets, town centres and villages. 

Our colleagues at Discover North East Lincolnshire, have created a free Digital Christmas Guide highlighting lots of local businesses and providers for the festive season. Perfect for checking out Christmas markets and fairs, artisan makers and artists, festive food and drink, where to see Father Christmas, real Christmas trees and more. LINK TO: https://discovernortheastlincolnshire.co.uk/christmas/

Discover North East Lincolnshire will also be highlighting local places to shop and eat, promoting our businesses through their online channels over the coming weeks and into January. Look out for festive shop window competitions, and two new competitions to win a £50 voucher to spend with a food & drink business or local small retailer in January. You can follow them on Facebook @DiscoverNorthEastLincolnshire or Instagram on @DiscoverNEL.

North East Lincolnshire Council will be offering free parking in a number of its car parks across North East Lincolnshire on the day of Small Business Saturday on 6 December to encourage people to use town centre small businesses across the retail and hospitality sectors.

These car parks are:

• Duchess Street, Grimsby
• Garden Street, Grimsby
• Town Hall, Grimsby
• Garibaldi Street, Grimsby
• Grant Street, Cleethorpes
• Civic Offices Car Park, Cleethorpes

Did you know, 4500 businesses (around 98% of all businesses) in North East Lincolnshire are currently classed as micro and small businesses, employing up to 49 staff each, with 4005 of those (around 87% of all businesses) classed as micro businesses, employing up to 9 staff.

North East Lincolnshire Council Leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, said: “Christmas is such a busy time for our local independent businesses. The period leading up to the big day can often generate a sizeable proportion of annual profit and can set businesses on a good footing for the coming months ahead.

"We are encouraging as many people in the borough as possible to show our high streets and small businesses some love and support, and share their great experiences online.”  

Local small businesses wanting to join the campaign and make the most of the opportunity offered by the day should visit the Small Business Saturday website to download free marketing materials including informational posters to display online, in shop windows plus social media graphics and suggested social media posts to use.

There are also a number of free webinars businesses can join being held between now and 3 December. The SBS Tour is once again stopping in Grimsby on Thursday 13 November and will be visiting businesses in the area on the day.