Independent pet retailers, groomers, trainers and other small businesses are being encouraged to put themselves forward as the search for the Nation's Favourite Businesses gets underway.
The initiative forms part of the grassroots, non-commercial Small Business Saturday campaign, originally founded by American Express in the US in 2010, with American Express remaining the principal supporter in the UK.
Small Business Saturday is the UK's most successful small business campaign, taking place each year on the first weekend in December. It celebrates small businesses and encourages consumers to shop local and support businesses in their communities.
Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: “Every year, Small Business Saturday demonstrates just how vital the UK's small businesses are, not only to our economy, but to local communities across the country.
“This year, we're excited about finding the UK's favourite businesses, celebrating small businesses everywhere – from the high street, online, an office, or at home.”
For many businesses in the pet sector, from independent pet shops and groomers to trainers and dog walkers, local support and community connections remain at the heart of their success.
Since the UK campaign launched in 2013, more than 1,000 small businesses have been featured in the campaign's SmallBiz100, representing a wide range of sectors and communities from across the country. All previous SmallBiz100 alumni will automatically become part of the Nation's Favourite Businesses community.
Pet businesses looking to gain recognition alongside other successful independents can apply to be considered for this year's Nation's Favourite Businesses before 30 June at: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/nations-favourite-businesses