Small Business Saturday announces 23 locations for this year’s tour

Community support is vital in today’s economy. That’s the ethos behind the well-known Small Business Saturday campaign, which champions independent firms across the UK. 

This November, the initiative is hitting the road again with a nationwide tour, bringing its message of support directly to local business owners.

Backed by BT, the annual tour is now in its thirteenth year of offering hands-on advice, resources, and inspiration to entrepreneurs. 

What is the Small Business Saturday Tour?

Small Business Saturday is a month-long touring roadshow, shining a spotlight on small businesses in towns and cities across the UK. 

Each year it goes behind the scenes of businesses, telling the stories of business owners and their communities, recognising the vital role of small businesses in local economies. 

Alongside its main programme, it offers online training, including webinars, mentoring, workshops, and success stories from entrepreneurs for any small businesses to access.

The tour will begin on November 3rd in Lossiemouth. Over the next five weeks, it will travel more than 3,000 miles in an electric van, highlighting the commitment to sustainability that many SMEs are embracing as they work towards the shared goal of achieving net zero.

Where will the 2025 tour visit?

Small Business Saturday 2025 will call in at 23 stops across the UK:

• Lossiemouth
• Aberdeenshire
• Edinburgh
• Belfast
• Preston
• Carlisle
• Durham
• Manchester
• Grimsby
• Derby
• Wrexham
• Hereford
• Newport
• Crediton
• Plymouth
• Salisbury
• Brighton
• Maidstone
• Leighton Buzzard
• Cambridge
• Putney, London
• BT, London
• The Regent’s Park, London

If you’d like to get involved, start by letting your customers know when the roadshow is coming to your town or city. Spread the word through your social media channels, email newsletters, or eye-catching in-store signage so your community doesn’t miss out.

Many businesses also mark the occasion by offering a special deal, product launch, or one-day discount, adding to the buzz and giving customers an extra reason to stop by.

To stay on top of the exact dates and timings for your area, follow the official Small Business Saturday channels or check their hashtags for the latest updates.

And if the tour doesn’t make it to your city? Don’t worry, you can still take part in the nationwide celebration through the online programme of events, which is open to everyone.

Why is Small Business Saturday important?

Small Business Saturday is a major event on the calendar for SMEs. It has engaged millions of shoppers and generated billions in spending for small businesses across the UK.

This event enhances the visibility of the UK’s 5.45 million small businesses, provides networking and learning opportunities, and fosters a strong sense of customer loyalty.

According to our 2024 survey, customer loyalty is the most important factor in business success, with 55% of businesses identifying it as such. In-person events like Small Business Saturday are a fruitful opportunity for businesses to maintain strong community foundations. 

If you’re not located near one of the tour stops, there are still many online resources available, such as workshops and mentoring, that you can take advantage of.