This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
The Isle of Wight Council will once again be part of ‘Small Business Saturday’ on Saturday 5 December, and will not charge motorists to park in any of its long stay car parks between 12pm and 6pm.
The event, supported by the Federation of Small Businesses and the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, is based on an American scheme which has seen sales in small businesses boosted by several billion dollars in the USA.
Dates back to 2013
It was first held in the UK and on the Island in 2013 and will again take place on what is traditionally one of the busiest days for shopping in the lead up to the festive season.
The Isle of Wight Council’s Executive member for the economy, Shirley Smart, said:
“The council is very keen to support Small Business Saturday and help local businesses in the run up to Christmas.
“It is also a very good opportunity for local shops to entice customers into their business by offering incentives given the expected increase in shoppers on the day.”
Federation of Small Businesses welcome decision
Normal Arnold from the Federation of Small Businesses said:
“In the age of online shopping and the megastore, it is important that people are given every opportunity and encouragement to support the local businesses that are the lifeblood of a thriving community.
“Parking is always considered to be an issue that deters people from shopping locally so we welcome the council’s decision to waive charges on Small Business Saturday. We hope people respond by supporting the many local businesses who between them have so much to offer those looking for gifts or just stocking up for Christmas.”
Kevin Smith from the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce added:
“The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce is backing the national Small Business Saturday campaign as part of our on-going commitment to helping businesses to grow on the Isle of Wight.
“Working with our partners at the council we see Small Business Saturday as a great way of highlighting the huge contribution that small businesses make to the Island’s economy and our wider community. We would always encourage Islanders to buy from and support local businesses whenever possible, and events like this help to amplify that message.”
Image: Ell R Brown under CC BY 2.0
