Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities.

The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses. In 2015 Small Business Saturday falls on Saturday 5 December.

There are many ways to get involved, whether you run a family business, local shop, online business, wholesale firm, or a business service, or your company is a small manufacturer. Take a look at www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com for more information and to register your firm for free on the Small Business Finder.

Look out also for the Inspire Series: a programme of free talks and workshops to inspire and support start-ups or existing small businesses.

And don’t forget to support other small businesses in Sandwell on Saturday 5 December (and indeed all year round). It’s one of the best things you can do to retain and recycle money in our local economy, which has a wider and lasting impact on everyone who lives and works here.