LOCAL businesses in Newport 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 December 6, featured ‘behind the scenes’ visits to a selection of Newport’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 Gary and Claire Taylor, and their business partner Lee Higgins, who run combat centre The Underground, learning more about what they offer, including a rage room and axe throwing.
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 Newport stop included family business New Pastures Home, which sells everything from soy candles, homeware, and jewellery, Gallery 57, which stocks the work of 26 different artists, and other jewellers and ceramicists. Interviews with these businesses helped to showcase the region’s vibrant business community on social media.
Claire from The Underground, said: “We are honoured to be part of the Small Business Saturday UK Tour! As a new business, it’s great to have the platform to get our business out there to more people who can find out where we are and what we do.”
Following its stop in Newport, Small Business Saturday’s roadshow will continue to key locations such as Brighton, Cambridge, and London, ahead of the campaign on December 6.
Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: “It’s incredible to have the opportunity to visit Newport and hear directly from local entrepreneurs about their passion, innovation, and plans for growth.
“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 Newport 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.
Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer, UK Business, at BT: “Small businesses are vital to the UK economy, and giving entrepreneurs the right support and guidance is crucial to their success.
“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’s Saturday Tour 2025! webpage to access free business support and get involved in the campaign.
