Small Business Saturday online roadshow to “visit” Hartlepool

Published Friday, 30th October 2020

Small businesses across Hartlepool are being urged to take advantage of a virtual support event as they battle to deal with the pandemic.

Small Business Saturday UK, a national grassroots, non-commercial campaign which celebrates small businesses, encourages consumers to “shop local” and support small businesses in their communities, is to focus its online roadshow on the town on Thursday November 5th.

The event is part of the organisation’s Tour 2020 which will offer a programme of locally-targeted online advice, workshops and mentoring, including:

  • Free virtual mentoring advice on topics ranging from digital marketing to time and money management. 
  • Live interviews with local businesses, experts, dignitaries and supporters streamed via Small Business Saturday’s Facebook page.
  • Interactive workshops with local business experts.
  • A fun-filled daily ‘Happy Hour’ giveaway broadcast.

Due to COVID-19, the online roadshows are being held instead of the annual Small Business Saturday Bus Tour, with daily “virtual visits” targeting over 30 locations across the UK in the run-up to Small Business Saturday on December 5th.

The initiative aims to support, encourage and uplift small businesses facing the challenge of a second wave of COVID-19 restrictions.

Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Regeneration Services Committee, said: “Small businesses which provide vital jobs and offer often irreplaceable bespoke services, are the lifeblood of the local economy. Due to COVID-19, many are currently locked in a battle for survival and need every bit of help they can get.

“I would like to thank Small Business Saturday UK for selecting Hartlepool for a “visit” from its online roadshow and I would urge as many local companies as possible to support the event.”

Small Business Saturday is keen to hear from businesses that wish to take part, including those willing to share their experience and expertise or provide prizes for the happy hour giveaways.

They can get in touch by emailing: bustour@smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com