Your support helps us tell the story.
From reproductive rights to climate change and big tech, The Independent is on the ground as the story unfolds. Whether investigating the finances of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word,' which sheds light on American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to analyze the facts from the messaging .
At such a critical time in American history, we need journalists on the ground. Your donation allows us to continue sending journalists to talk about both sides of the story.
Americans across the political spectrum trust The Independent. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to exclude Americans from our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to all and paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
Small shops are preparing for one of the busiest Saturdays before Christmas.
Small Business Saturday began after the 2008 financial crisis, led by companies like payments giant American Express, in an effort to rejuvenate independent stores.
It now acts as a counterweight to Black Friday, a sales bonanza that takes place a week before and focuses mainly on large brands such as Amazon and chain stores such as supermarkets.
For Bardan Pradhan, of Village Greengrocers in Charlton, London, it's a good time to reconnect with local shoppers.
Small Business Saturday “is one of our busiest times of the year,” he said the independent as he prepares to sell Christmas trees, panettone, loaves of Christmas-spiced bread known as stollen, and vegetables for dinner on the big day.
He admits the rise of online shopping and the Black Friday sales they dominate have been difficult for the high street.
“It's killed some businesses, but it's made us think outside the box,” he said.
You will attract shoppers to your own store, for example, with mulled wine and wine tastings.
“There will always be growth in e-commerce, but there is a strong and genuine demand for customers to have that interaction, the banter that local stores offer, which is priceless.”
The government said it wants to help small businesses with a new advice scheme called the Business Growth Service which will be rolled out in the new year to address the amount of time they spend on administration.
Employment Minister Alison McGovern said: “This Small Business Saturday let's support the UK's amazing small and independent businesses.
“We are making sure small businesses have the skilled staff they need to grow and succeed through our Get Britain Working Plan.
“And if you're a small business owner, I encourage you to think about using our brilliant Jobcentres next time you need to hire – we're ready to help you recruit and find your next star employee.”
Small Business Britain founder Michelle Ovens CBE said: “A thriving small business community leads to a prosperous country, so we look forward to working with the Government to further develop this initiative in 2025.”
