Inverness in the limelight as nationwide Small Business Roadshow visits
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Small firms across Inverness will be put on the map by the Small Business Saturday campaign as it brings its nationwide roadshow – The Tour – to the area next week, as part of plans to support local businesses as they face persistent economic challenges over the winter.
The Tour forms part of the official countdown to the annual Small Business Saturday campaign – which takes place on December 2.
It celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to shop local and to support businesses in their communities.
Arriving in Inverness on Monday (October 30) the Small Business Saturday Tour team will visit and interview independent businesses across the city, spotlighting their creativity, entrepreneurialism and contribution to the local community to a live online audience.
This includes visits to local small businesses such as the Scottish Craft Shop in the Victorian Market, Triquerta Crafts, jewellery retailer Highland Hyacinth, and cocktail bar Scotch & Rye.
“We are thrilled to be visiting small businesses in Inverness and across the UK, as we count down to Small Business Saturday with this year’s tour,” said Michelle Ovens, director of Small Business Saturday UK.
“This year’s campaign is all about shining a spotlight on the nation’s fantastic small firms and showing them some major love! I encourage all small businesses across Scotland to get involved, whether it is in person or online.”
As the roadshow makes its way around the UK, there will also be opportunities for business owners across Inverness to take part in the campaign’s wider online programme of free business support that will run throughout November.
Virtual workshops and webinars on a range of business topics are being offered each day, as well as free one-to-one mentoring and opportunities for small businesses to tell their stories and network on Small Business Saturday’s social media channels.
A Small Business Happy Hour on Instagram will also take place every week, with giveaways from local businesses all over the country.
Chris Sims, BT’s managing director for small and medium business – the telecoms giant is supporting the campaign – said: “Small Business Saturday is a fantastic initiative that empowers entrepreneurs to tackle the biggest challenges they are facing today.
"This year small businesses can access specialist mentoring and support, giving them tailored guidance on issues ranging from effective marketing to cyber security.
“As the tour enters its second decade, we are proud to be partnering with Small Business Saturday on this initiative again through our Skills for Tomorrow program, which has helped over one million entrepreneurs grow their small businesses with free digital skills training.”
To get involved in The Tour locally, or book virtual one-to-one mentoring sessions and workshops, small businesses should visit https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour.
