Shop local to support Wandsworth businesses this Small Business Saturday

Published: Friday, December 2, 2022

This Small Business Saturday (3 December), Wandsworth Council is shining a light on smaller businesses across the borough and encouraging everyone to shop with their local suppliers or places to eat and drink.

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Backing local businesses: Kemi Akinola visits Backstory in Balham
  • Wandsworth Council supports Small Business Saturday on 3 December
  • 98.9 per cent of Wandsworth firms are small and micro businesses
  • Residents encouraged to help local businesses during Cost of Living crisis

Small and micro businesses make up 98.9 per cent of firms operating in Wandsworth so they are the backbone of local town centres and bring vitality and variety to the borough.

They also play a crucial employment role for the local economy, with 93 per cent of the borough’s businesses employing nine people or less.

'They need our custom'

Kemi Akinola, Wandsworth Council’s cabinet member for business said: “It is important that we all do what we can to support small and medium enterprises in our borough by shopping and eating locally, both in the run-up to Christmas and beyond. The Cost of Living crisis is also hitting businesses through increased costs, so they really do need our custom if they are to survive.

“We can all do our bit by choosing an independent or local company either in town centres, on our high streets or when shopping online, so check out our online directories to see the wide range of local businesses near you!"

Tom Rowley, founder of Backstory bookshop in Balham said: "Times are as tough for small businesses as for everyone, so we're urging people to support small businesses by shopping local this Christmas and afterwards into the new year."

Business support: Kemi Akinola delivers window stickers to Elizabeth Jones at Natural Baby, Balham

Black Pound Day

Saturday 3 December is also Black Pound Day which encourages shoppers to buy from Black-owned businesses to help make the retail economy fairer.

As part of Wandsworth Council’s ‘Black History 365’ initiative, find out where you can shop to support Black-owned businesses based in the borough 

Browse local directories

Wandsworth has all the small businesses you need right on your doorstep, from clothing or gift shops to cafes or hardware shops as well as consultancies and professional services.

See the list of Christmas events in Wandsworth 

Get shopping inspiration from the Wandsworth gift directory and full business directories for Wandsworth

Window sticker: Get behind local businesses this Christmas