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Small community focussed businesses are the backbone of the British economy. There are more than 5.4m small businesses in the UK employing 25.9m people across almost every sector of British business.

Life as a small business can be tough, competing against large national and even international businesses for the attention of potential customers. Therefore where possible we think communities should do what they can to support businesses locally.

Research on spending by local authorities shows that for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business 63p stayed in the local economy, meaning that when we invest locally everybody wins.

In recent years a grassroots movement has emerged to encourage customers to support small businesses in their communities during the busiest time of the year has emerged. Founded in 2010 Small Business Saturday is growing in stature year on year.

“Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities.” – Small Business Saturday website.

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. In 2015 Small Business Saturday will take place on Saturday, December 5th. All you need to do to take part is to make an effort to shop locally where you can on December 5^th.

As a small business that works with other small businesses across a number of different sectors Small Business Saturday is something that we passionately support.

We ask that on the December the 5^th you do your part to take part in Small Business Saturday.

As a business why not look locally for the resources for your business, whether that be a graphic designer or printer for your marketing efforts, or a locally owned restaurant or hotel to hold your next business meeting or buy something from a local shop on your way home.

Taking part is simple and the benefits to our towns and cities make it well worth the small effort of changing the way you think about local businesses.

Digital marketing and tech specialist Anoop is a well-known figure in the Harrow and North London community. Currently the Operations Director for Aspiring Panda, the company uses cloud and development expertise to solve some of the toughest business challenges – which has recently included consulting with East African nations to provide sustainable farming.

This year Aspiring Panda got the opportunity to work alongside Harrow Council, Third Sector Potential and other community groups, helping to plan and execute one of the biggest cultural events in the Asian community – Diwali.

On the 14^th November 2015, Harrow’s town centre was filled with joy as local community and shoppers came together to celebrate Diwali and Bandhi Chorr Diwas.

Music filled St. Anns centre as spectators watched in awe at the Bollywood dancers, as they swayed on stage in their stunning Indian outfits. Not only was there dancing but a fashion show. Models held lit diyas (a small cup-shaped oil lamp made of baked clay) as they strutted down the catwalk, their gowns twinkling from the light of their lamps. It was an evening filled with much entertainment as people of all races joined together to celebrate the triumph of good over evil and the beginning of a new business year.

 Happy Diwali to all from everyone at Aspiring Panda!

Digital marketing and tech specialist Anoop is a well-known figure in the Harrow and North London community. Currently the Operations Director for Aspiring Panda, the company uses cloud and development expertise to solve some of the toughest business challenges – which has recently included consulting with East African nations to provide sustainable farming.