Residents and visitors to the city centre can support local traders and benefit from discounted parking on Small Business Saturday on 3 December.
The national event, first held in the UK in 2013, aims to encourage people to ‘shop local’ and support small independent businesses in their communities, providing a boost in the lead-up to Christmas.
To encourage as many people as possible to come into the city and support small businesses, the Council will be offering a discounted all-day rate of £2.50 at their on-street pay and display locations as well as Abbey Street car park and Darwin Place car park, when using MiPermit to pay.
The city’s two Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) have also partnered with a rewards app LoyalFree, which is packed with money-saving offers, information about the businesses, and competitions in the area.
This December, the Cathedral Quarter and St Peter’s Quarter are running the popular Window Wonderland competition. Visitors follow a trail to visit festive window displays created by independent businesses and vote for their favourite for a chance to win £50 worth of shopping vouchers.
While the day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, the Small Business Saturday campaign aims to have a lasting impact for small businesses.
Everyone is welcome outside the recently opened Mr Shaw’s clothing store on Sadler Gate at 11am on 3 December. A DJ will entertain residents and visitors for an hour and there will be a chance to get to know an array of small business owners in person.
Councillor Steve Hassall, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Decarbonisation, Strategic Planning and Transport at Derby City Council said:
Small Business Saturday is a great way to highlight what our incredible small businesses do. Independent businesses help to differentiate the city from other places and we are so fortunate that we have so many in Derby doing brilliant things. We should recognise the amazing contribution they make in providing choice, good value and creating jobs.
The cost-of-living crisis is having an impact and now, more than ever, small businesses, sole traders and start-ups are facing tough circumstances. Let's do all we can to support them.
Drivers can benefit from the parking rates by downloading the MiPermit app on the Android Play Store or the Apple Store
To follow the trails and save money when shopping local, download the LoyalFree app for free on the Android Play Store or Apple Store