Festive period remains vital for small independent businesses, says Worcester's BID chief executive
It's as Small Business Saturday takes place today (6 December) which celebrates and focuses on the role these places play in areas
Worcester's Business Improvement District (BID) has said it continues to be really important for it to support small businesses in the city, with the festive period particularly crucial for them.
Small Business Saturday is taking place today (6 December) and aims to shine a spotlight on the difference and impact these retailers and shops have on the economy and communities.
It coincides with the four-day Worcester Victorian Fayre going on at the moment which organisers Worcester City Council estimate brings in around 150,000 visitors over the period and gives a £7.3m boost to the local economy.
Chief executive of Worcester BID Sam McCarthy said: "The small businesses are made up of families, Worcester is important to them.
"It’s their home, it’s not just a place to work and that's why it's really key that we help them out.
"This week with the fayre, it's the make or break for these sort of businesses, they really rely on this income coming in on this week to be able to make January and February an easier month to be able to get through."
Caroline Gregory from Cookmate, who've been based in Worcester for over 40 years, has supported the point on how important the festive period is for them.
She said: "November and December honestly will see us through the slower part of next year.
"So it is key to make sure we've got the business at that time to keep us going,"
Tim Evans from Toys & Games Of Worcester, who've been running for 32 years in the city, added events like Small Business Saturday can help to show their role and significance in the high street.
"Small businesses are the backbone of British retail industry so it's always important to keep them at the forefront of everything the high street’s doing," he said.
"It’s not about it (the high street), but about all the retailers and all the small businesses that are on it."
Last month the Small Business Saturday roadshow, a month-long tour around the UK, also visited Hereford to recognise the role businesses there play in their communities.