Durham’s small businesses shine as part of small business roadshow

Local businesses in Durham were in the spotlight this week when Small Business Saturday’s UK-wide roadshow visited the city, celebrating the nation’s favourite small businesses and their vital role in local communities.

‘The Tour’, designed to champion small businesses across the UK in the run up to Small Business Saturday on 6 December, featured ‘behind the scenes’ visits to a selection of Durham’s businesses, highlighting their stories, successes, and ambitions for the future. 

Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign that celebrates small businesses and encourages consumers to support and spend with small firms. 

During the visit, the roadshow met Mark and Anna Taylor, owners of Elvet and Bailey, a business that champions local creativity by stocking products from over 100 Durham-based artists, crafters, and makers.

“Anna and I started Elvet and Bailey in our garage. To think that we’re now being featured on something like Small Business Saturday is just phenomenal. To be among other independent small businesses and be given a platform to highlight our passion means so much.”

Once again supported by BT, the Small Business Saturday roadshow is visiting over 20 towns and cities across the UK throughout November, showcasing local businesses on social media alongside offering a range of free online support for small business owners. 

Local businesses featured during the Durham stop included Bear Bottom, owned by Fraser Harbron-Hall, a much-loved local shop that’s been part of the community for 15 years, and Moon, run by Jo Soulsby, which began 14 years ago with just four artists and now represents 97 creators from across the world.

“I feel very privileged to represent all of those artists here at Moon and to promote their work through the Small Business Saturday campaign and throughout our city.”

The tour also stopped by Collected Books, an independent bookshop owned by Emma Hamlett on Durham’s Riverwalk, which offers a welcoming space for readers to enjoy books, coffee, and wine, and Old Toms Gin Bar, where bar manager Daniel Russell showcased one of the city’s favourite spots for gin lovers.

Interviews with local leaders, such as Paul Howard from Durham Business Improvement District, also helped showcase the region’s vibrant business community on social media. 

“It’s great to be here with the Small Business Saturday team, helping to promote some of the independent businesses in Durham City. We’d be delighted to welcome more visitors into the city to explore them for themselves.”

Following its stop in Durham, Small Business Saturday’s roadshow will continue to Derby, Hereford, and Plymouth, ahead of the campaign on 6 December. 

“It’s incredible to have the opportunity to visit Durham and hear directly from local entrepreneurs about their passion, innovation, and plans for growth,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK. 

“This year we’re highlighting the nation's favourite businesses, which are the lifeblood of local communities, and it’s fantastic to see the support and enthusiasm they receive during the campaign.” 

Alongside the roadshow, Small Business Saturday is offering small businesses in Durham and all over the UK a month of dedicated, free online business support, including webinars on a wide range of small business topics, as well as mentoring from business experts.

“Small businesses are vital to the UK economy, and giving entrepreneurs the right support and guidance is crucial to their success,” said Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer, UK Business, at BT.

“The Tour provides a valuable opportunity to connect directly with small businesses across the country, offering tailored guidance and practical resources to help them grow and adapt. It’s a powerful initiative that brings businesses together to drive innovation, strengthen local communities, and build a more resilient economy.”

Backed by principal supporter American Express, Small Business Saturday has been running for over a decade since 2013. Over this time it has engaged millions of people and seen billions of pounds spent with small businesses across the UK on Small Business Saturday, with an impact that lasts all year round. 

On Small Business Saturday, customers across the country are encouraged to support local businesses, whether online, in stores, or at events, many of which are offering special promotions to mark the day. 

The Small Business Saturday Tour team will travel across the UK in branded electric vehicles, reflecting the sustainable practices many small business owners are adopting in the race to net zero. 

To follow The Tour’s journey visit @SmallBizSatUK on Instagram. Small businesses can head to the Small Business Saturday website to access free business support and get involved in the campaign - https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour#VirtualRoadshow