North East small businesses want share of UK's £20.4bn Christmas spend

Small businesses in the North East are set to benefit as UK households are projected to spend over £20 billion during the festive season, according to research by the Small Business Saturday Campaign.

Inside Paul & Lucy Hull's shop- For the Love of the North in Whitley Bay are one of thousands of small businesses in the region who are urging people to shop small businesses this Christmas. (Image: pr) Households across the UK will spend an average of £757 on Christmas celebrations, with 22% of that- around £4.4 billion is expected to go to small businesses. 

In the North East, 35% of households plan to spend a quarter of their Christmas budget with local firms, and 32% intend to spend more than last year, compared to the national average of 26%.

North East consumers are also among the highest spenders in the UK, with 42% planning to spend more than £1,000. 

Tian the owner of Tian's Gifts is one of thousands of small businesses in the region who are urging people to shop in small businesses this Christmas. (Image: pr) The data from the Small Business Saturday campaign found that 91% of people in the region believe that supporting small businesses is important, and 73% shop locally multiple times a month. 

The Small Business Saturday campaign, backed by American Express, encourages consumers to shop locally on December 7.

On Small Business Saturday customers across the UK are urged to go out and support all types of small businesses, both online and in stores.  

From independent shops and restaurants to small service and b2b based businesses like accountants, plumbers and digital marketeers.

Many small businesses get involved in the campaign by hosting events, offering promotions, and collaborating with other local businesses.  

Now in its 11th year in the UK, the initiative has driven significant spending at small businesses nationwide.

Read More:

• Darlington mum with Asthma in 'unliveable' damp and mouldy home facing eviction

• Newton Aycliffe amputee denied shower after bacterial outbreak at Darlington Hospital

• Police urge parents to stay vigilant about their children's whereabouts

Get more local stories, reviews and exclusive content from The Northern Echo and join our growing digital family with a subscription.

Michelle Ovens CBE, director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: “Public support is absolutely vital for small businesses across the UK, with many still fighting to recover from the cost-of-living crisis and deal with continued challenges like high costs and flat growth.

“With a major festive spending pot up for grabs this year, there is huge opportunity out there for small businesses. And it is really encouraging to see such positive public sentiment across the North East.

"We need this to continue as it really will make all the difference to helping small firms across the area stay in business and keep delivering their incredible value across our economy, society and local communities.”  

For more information, visit smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com.