Small Business Saturday 6th December: Celebrating the Nation’s Favourite Independents 

The nation’s favourite small businesses have been revealed, highlighting the UK public’s deep affection for independent firms ahead of Small Business Saturday on 6th December. New research from Small Business Saturday UK and its principal supporter, American Express, shows that cafes, independent restaurants, bakeries, pubs, and hair salons top the list of the UK’s most-loved small business categories.

Britain’s favourite small business types include:

• Cafes and coffee shops (32%)
• Independent restaurants and takeaways (21%)
• Bakeries (19%)
• Bars and pubs (16%)
• Hairdressers and barbers (15%)
• Convenience stores (13%)
• Bookshops (10%)
• Garden centres (10%)
• Gift shops (9%)
• Garages and mechanics (9%)

Beyond food, drink and retail, the findings reflect widespread appreciation for small businesses: 58% of Brits have a favourite independent, and nearly all (95%) say small firms add value to their communities. Christmas spending with small businesses is expected to rise by 19% this year, potentially hitting £5.3 billion, providing a vital boost for the UK’s 5.6 million small firms during peak season.

A Boost for Festive Spending

Small Business Saturday’s seasonal analysis suggests the nation could spend over £23 billion this Christmas, a 16% increase on last year’s forecast, with more than a quarter of consumers planning to spend more this festive season. On average, shoppers expect around 22% of their seasonal spending to go to small businesses, highlighting strong public sentiment and support.

This backing is crucial for independents facing rising costs and ongoing economic pressures. As Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK, notes: “Small businesses are the nation’s favourite businesses. They are essential to both their communities and the whole UK economy.”

The Heart of Fonthill Road — FC Designer Collective

In north London, Fashion-Enter Ltd is proving exactly why independent businesses matter through its vibrant community shop, FC Designer Collective, 113 – 115 Fonthill Road, just moments from Finsbury Park tube station.

The store champions independent and local designers, many of whom create garments using recycled or deadstock fabrics supporting sustainability, circular fashion and responsible production. Alongside the clothing collections, shoppers can browse a carefully curated selection of fabrics and haberdashery, perfect for home sewing, mending and creative projects.

A standout feature of the shop is its free Repair & Upcycle Drop-In Session, held twice a month on a Tuesday and proudly supported by Islington Council. Residents can bring items for guidance, repairs, and creative upcycling a community-driven initiative that encourages longevity in fashion and reduces textile waste.

From one-off pieces to sustainable craft materials, FC Designer Collective is a treasure trove of unique finds at genuinely affordable prices. Supporting these independent designers not only fuels creativity and local craftsmanship, it strengthens the local economy and promotes ethical consumption, values that lie at the heart of Small Business Saturday.

Backing the Businesses Behind the Counter

Dan Edelman, General Manager of UK Merchant Services at American Express, emphasised the human stories at the centre of the campaign: “Behind every small business is a person — a dreamer, a doer, and someone devoted to serving their community.”

This spirit is echoed by owners around the UK. Kristian Cuffin of Cuffed-In Coffee praised the loyalty of his customers: “Small Business Saturday is a brilliant reminder of how important independent businesses are to local communities.”

Similarly, salon owner Jo Bevilacqua of Serenity Loves highlighted the importance of relationships built through small enterprises: “As a family-run, independent salon… Small Business Saturday is always a highlight in the calendar for us.”

A Call to the Nation

As this year’s Small Business Saturday approaches, organisers are urging the public not only to shop small, but also to support independents in other ways, from leaving reviews to recommending favourite businesses to friends and family.

Whether it’s buying a handmade garment from FC Designer Collective, enjoying a coffee at a beloved local café or visiting a trusted independent salon, every purchase helps sustain the creativity, skill and resilience of the UK’s small business community.

To learn more about Small Business Saturday, visit the official campaign website.