A national campaign that celebrates small businesses for the important role they play within communities is coming to North Devon on Saturday 2 December - and North Devon Council is getting behind it.

Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support small businesses in their communities. The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses.

The council - which is also behind the Live Love Local campaign, which celebrates and supports North Devon's independent businesses -  is calling on the community to back the district's entrepreneurs and help them to succeed during these difficult times. 

Lead Member for Economic Development and Regeneration at North Devon Council, Councillor Malcolm Prowse says: "With around 4,000 businesses in North Devon, small businesses are the heart and soul of our communities and local high streets. It is only by supporting our local independent businesses that we can also help our local high streets, village shops and tourist industry to thrive."

Leader of North Devon Council, Councillor Ian Roome says: "Getting behind campaigns such as this, which champion small local businesses, isn't just about commerce; it's a commitment to fostering vibrant communities, preserving the unique identity of our towns and ensuring economic resilience at a grassroots level. Let's all get behind Small Business Saturday to celebrate the contribution smaller businesses make to life in North Devon."

To take part in Small Business Saturday, small business owners can register and advertise their businesses for free on the Small Business Saturday UK website. The campaign has made marketing packs available and encourages participating businesses to tag them (@smallbizsatuk) in social media posts relating to Small Business Saturday.

Customers of small businesses can use the campaign website to locate participating businesses and are encouraged to share photos of themselves and their purchases related to Small Business Saturday using #SmallBizSatUK.