Endorse your local businesses this weekend at Small Business Saturday

East London residents are invited to shop locally during Small Business Saturday on December 5.

The Small Business Saturday campaign, now in its third year, aims to promote small, local businesses through various markets across the UK.

John Biggs, the Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “Shopping small is better for the community, better for the environment and often better for a bargain. We hope that people enjoy Small Business Saturday, explore their local high streets and markets, and shop local all year round, not just for Christmas.”

Tower Hamlets residents can visit Whitechapel Market where there will be hot food, community stalls, musicians, street performers and a children’s choir.

Michelle Ovens, the National Campaign Director, said: “Most people in this country own a small business, work for a small business or know somebody who does. Supporting a small business on Small Business Saturday is personal and means you are supporting somebody you know.”

Last year, 16.5 million people shopped in small businesses on the day, which was an increase of 2,7 million shoppers from 2013.

American Express originally founded the initiative in the US in 2010 and remains the primary supporter of the campaign in the UK.

The campaign will be shared on social media via the hashtag #SmallBizSatUK and via #shoptowerhamlets in Tower Hamlets.

About 50 small businesses will participate in the event according to the campaign’s website.

Follow Khanim Javadova on Twitter: @khanim