I’ve been a huge supporter of small business Saturday since it came over from the USA a couple of years ago. I’ve been chosen as a one of the top 100 small businesses in the UK, went into number 10 downing street as the end of their first nationwide bus tour and have been shouting from the roof tops about the great work they do!

If you’ve been reading my blog posts on our world you will have seen the article I wrote about Sheen Living’s (one of my West London stockist) event with Mary Portas you’ll know I strongly believe in supporting your local high street and being a local hero.

There are over 5 million small businesses in the UK and the day itself takes place on the first shopping Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses.

What’s great for us at Cockpit Arts is that Small business Saturday is always on the same day as our Christmas open studios in Deptford, this year we opened from Thursday until Sunday and this year with more visitors that ever, the open studios was a huge success

Small business Saturday, reported on their Facebook page that £623m was spent on the Saturday alone, 24% up on last year. With support on social media researching over 25 millon people and 75% of British local councils taking part it’s a great way start the Christmas shopping season!