Tomorrow is a day to celebrate our great small businesses who have overcome so much recenetly and are determined to make a living in their own towns or villages.
Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support small businesses in their communities.
The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses as customers across the country go out and support all types of small businesses, online, in offices and in stores. Many small businesses take part in the day by hosting events and offering discounts.
Read more: Eight amazing start-ups
We've dug out a few to look out for here in the North East, from physios to beer-sellers!
First Team Physiotherapy
Former Hartlepool United physio Ian "Buster" Gallagher has launched his own business with his son, Liam.
Waterside Brasserie
This is Middlesbrough College’s working restaurant that’s open to members of the public and run as a small business. Catering and hospitality students staff the restaurant and in doing so they build the skills necessary to go into the industry.
www.mbro.ac.uk/open-to-the-public/waterside-brasserie
PFC Trust
A local charity set up to support and improve the life chances of the people of Hartlepool
Rephrase
Former Northern Echo chief football writer Paul Fraser created this business to raise profiles a little over a year ago.
Lyla Belle's Cafe
The perfect little place for a tea party - and more - at Hartlepool's Tees Bay Retail Park.
Feisc
Feisc, which was founded by Dr Fei Wan Lee in 2014, offers luxury fragrance and skin care products made with natural extracts, botanicals and essential oils. The products are formulated to work on every skin type by harnessing the potent powers of the finest quality phyto-active ingredients.
https://www.feisc.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html
Frivolity Bottle Shop
The team at Frivolity Bottle Shop, based in Darlington, have been serving County Durham since 2019. The independent wine merchant offers a vast selection of fine wines, craft beers and spirits.
Pay-as-Hugo
Offering businesses a new way to work with PR, social media and content marketing agency Harvey & Hugo, Pay-as-Hugo offers contract-free services through its e-commerce website. The snacksize servings of the firm’s services can all be purchased individually, allowing clients to create a bespoke package containing as much or as little as they need.
Master Debonair
In the stunningly restored Mackies’ Corner – Sunderland’s corner of cool – stands Master Debonair. The Drapers Award winning menswear retailer sells suits for the snappiest dressers, as well as footwear and accessories that will bring some style to the festive season.
https://www.masterdebonair.com/
Let me know of your favourite local business, at mike.hughes@newsquest.co.uk
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