The Federation of Small Businesses is urging people to back their local small businesses in the run-up to Christmas.
Small Business Saturday will celebrate the contribution made to the life of the nation by the UK’s 5.5 million small business owners on December 3.
FSB research shows that for every £1 spent with a small or medium-size business, 63p is re-spent in the local area. This is compared to 40p in every £1 spent with a chain or larger business.
Chris Burgess, chairman of FSB’s Merseyside, West Cheshire and Wigan region, said: “In the run up to Christmas, we are encouraging people to take advantage of the diversity and service provided by local shops and other small businesses.
“Small firms make a big difference to their community and the life of the region and nation, with many going above and beyond to help their customers, small business neighbours and local start-ups.
“FSB backs the Small Business Saturday campaign at branch, region and national level as a way to celebrate them.
“With ‘Snap Your Shops’ we are encouraging both business owners and shoppers to take photographs of the independent traders they want to champion and we will celebrate them on social media.
“We hope even more people will turn out this year to show their support for the UK’s small business community.
“This is a good moment to check out what small local businesses offer the whole year round.
“Whether you’re shopping, buying services or products, choosing where to go for a meal, or building a website – hard working, innovative small businesses in the UK are the first place you should look.”