York Gin kicks off national small business campaign
York Gin has been chosen to help kick off a national campaign to celebrate the role small businesses play in the economy.
The Small Business Saturday UK 2021 campaign launched on 27 August with a 100-day countdown to 4 December the official Small Business Saturday.
York Gin is one of just 100 impressive small businesses from across the UK to mark the official countdown to this year’s Small Business Saturday UK.
York Gin was selected to be part of the campaign’s prestigious Small Biz 100 line-up, which showcases inspiring, independent businesses from across the country.
Now in its ninth year in the UK, Small Business Saturday celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support businesses in their communities.
Emma Godivala co-founder of the York Gin company said: "We have worked very hard over the last three years to create a business that makes our city proud and are excited to be recognised for this in the Small Biz 100.
“Our business is recognised in the spirits industry as making some of the world’s best gins, winning gold medals at the world’s top competitions. But we are equally proud of our efforts to be a sustainable and responsible business.
“From day one we have been powered by green, sustainable electricity through Good Energy. And recently we have been in a financial position to source all our plastic-free bottles and packaging from sustainable businesses in Yorkshire. This hugely reduces our carbon emissions – and is part of our efforts to hit net zero. We are also a Living Wage employer.”
“As we look ahead to more positive times it’s important to celebrate all small businesses up and down the country and the role they have played in all our communities.”
Small Business Saturday UK will return on 4 December 2021, following record-breaking success last year, which saw an estimated £1.1 billion spent with small businesses on the day itself.
This year, ahead of the UN Climate SummitCOP26 in Glasgow, theSmallBiz100 features small firms with a passion for sustainability, to demonstrate the important part small businesses play in tackling climate change and helping the UK to achieve net zero.
York Gin has already made serious efforts to cut its carbon emissions – all its glasses, packaging and labels are now made sustainably in Yorkshire. Their distillery is powered by 100% green renewable energy from Good Energy and their vehicles are emission-free electric. The company is now working on a carbon neutral plan with Sustainable Business Services.
Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: “Throughout the crisis we have been reminded of the special role that small firms play in local areas, looking after their customers, communities and the planet. We are excited to be kicking off this year’s campaign to show our thanks to amazing small businesses like York Gin.
“As firms recover from the challenges of the pandemic we are calling upon everyone to get behind the campaign to make it our most impactful Small Business Saturday yet.”
A grassroots, not-for-profit campaign Small Business Saturday was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010. It remains the principal supporter of the campaign in the UK, as part of its ongoing championing the UK high street and commitment to encourage consumers to shop small.
On Small Business Saturday, customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Many small businesses take an active role in promoting the day by hosting events and offering promotions. Small Business Saturday attracts huge attention on the day itself, with an impact that last all year.
Last year the campaign trended at number one in the UK on Twitter, with the Prime Minister, leader of the opposition and the Mayor of London among those publicly supporting the campaign. Over 90% of local councils also supported the campaign.
To get involved in Small Business Saturday 2021 visit https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com