Gloucester like many cities and towns has a number of small businesses, providing goods, services and employment to local people.

The Liberal Democrat group are calling on Gloucester City Council to support Small Business Saturday on December 4th.

Below is the text of the motion we will be proposing at full council on Thursday 18th November.

Liberal Democrat Group – Motion on Small Business Saturday

Council notes that Small Business Saturday 2021 is coming up on 4th December. Small Business Saturday has grown into a significant event – with a record £1.1 billion spent with small businesses during last year’s event.

Council recognises that this is an excellent opportunity to promote small businesses in Gloucester and to celebrate the contribution smaller businesses make to our city.
Council believes that Small Businesses are the heart and soul of our local high streets. It is only by supporting our local independent businesses that we can also help our local high streets to thrive.

Council resolves to:
(a) Ask the Leader of the Council to ensure that the Council participates fully in Small Business Saturday on 4th December 2021.
(b) Request that officers work closely with local business organisations and smaller enterprises across Gloucester to make them aware of the day and encourage them to sign up.
(c) Ensure that Small Business Saturday is promoted thoroughly and prominently on the Council’s website, social media channels and other external communications.
(d) Develop a year round communications plan to continue promoting local small businesses and encouraging residents in Gloucester to shop small and shop local all year round.
(e) Investigate further ways to increase shopper numbers around Small Business Saturday and in the lead up to Christmas – such as free car parking in the city centre on busy shopping days – and establish a regular programme of measures to support small businesses.