Considering the UK’s five million plus small businesses are a vital element of the country’s financial recovery, it is too often the case that they are swamped by the corporate and high street big guns when it comes to getting the support and recognition they deserve.

However, this Saturday 7th December is officially Small Business Saturday UK. It was initially introduced in the US by credit card provider American Express where the event is held on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, putting it in between the two busiest shopping dates in the United States: Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

In a season of high spending, Small Business Saturday is intended to boost the income of small businesses who can’t compete with the marketing budgets of multinational companies.

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday having been quickly picked up in the UK, thankfully it’s only natural that we jump on the back of #smallbizsat where the word is predominantly spread via Facebook and Twitter.

Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity to help small retailers and local independent businesses whilst getting friends and family gifts they will enjoy.

Buy Local this Christmas!

Here at thebestof, we have long supported the ethos of 'Buy Local'. After all, what would our towns and villages become if we all ignored those little independent gems in favour of the national brands? Without those local food producers, artisans, craftspeople and specialist shops and professionals, the heart of our communities would be lost.
And if you’re looking for a Christmas present a little bit different, or a gift that goes on giving, Haverhill's local businesses could have just the thing.

Capture the moment

Local photographer David Doughty @ the Gallery is not simply one of the most highly respected photographers in Haverhill; he offers a host of other products and services just perfect as Christmas gifts.

Few women would turn down the chance of a makeover shoot, but not many would book it for themselves. Or why not get a portrait of a favourite pet done?  David Doughty @ The Gallery can alsohelp make your grandma’s day by having that old cine film of her wedding day transferred onto DVD or her old photos restored for a really special surprise.

And if you go to our Offers page you will see that David Doughty @ the Gallery in Haverhill is offering 20% off all services between now and Christmas day.

Please click here for further details about David Doughty @ The Gallery.

Our Offers page can be found by clicking here.

Get fit in 2014

Now we all know someone whose New Year Resolution will be ‘get fit in 2014.’ Actually do we know anyone whose resolution WON’T be ‘get fit in 2014.’ Why not help them turn that resolution into a reality by gifting them a gym membership at Haverhill Leisure Centre? (I feel obliged at this point to suggest this might NOT be a suitable gift for a 22 stone couch potato whose idea of exercise is running a bath and who has absolutely no desire to change.)

But certainly most people would welcome this as a gift and the facilities at Haverhill Leisure Centre are superb, with the fully equipped and air conditioned Abbeycroft Fitness Studio, two swimming pools and a range of fitness classes run by qualified instructors. There is something for everyone whether they are hard core exercisers or just want some healthy fun. 

Click here for further details about Haverhill Leisure Centre.

Mind you, those self same people (or maybe the aforementioned couch potato) would no doubt welcome the gift of relaxation! And once again we have our local Haverhill heroes ready, able and willing to provide just that.
Perform Sports Therapy, based in Haverhill, is a sports therapy, sports injury and rehabilitation clinic run by fully qualified sports therapists. Obviously you don’t actually have to have injured yourself to benefit from their treatments! In fact maintenance massage helps prevent muscle strains and injuries allowing you to perform to the peak of your fitness levels.

More information about Perform Sports Therapy can be found by clicking here.

If you head to thebestof Haverhill Offers page you will see Perform Sports Therapy is currently offering a full £40 off a Maintenance Massage course – ideal for people embarking upon exercise for the first time since hockey stick days! 

And until 31st March 2014 members of Abbeycroft Leisure in Haverhill qualify for a massive 20% discount off any Perform Sports Therapy treatments!

Please click here to find out more.

Saturday night at the movies...

Of course there will always be those friends and family members who desire only to spend their spare time in pursuit of leisure (could be that couch potato again!) It’s not a crime; leisure time is precious these days. What could be more perfect than a gift card from Cineworld Haverhill? You can choose from gift cards by post or email.

For example for the perfect night out for two of your loved ones go for the Gift Box. This includes 2 x Adult tickets (2D or 3D), a voucher for 2 x regular drinks, 1 x regular popcorn and 2 x Galaxy Gift Chocolates. The cost is just £20 + delivery and it’s valid for 6 months from 26th December. Or you could go the whole hog and splash out on a Cineworld Unlimited Card! A year of free films will keep even the most ardent film buff happy!

Please click here for more information about for more information about Cineworld Haverhill.

Pamper someone this Christmas

If you do want to stay a bit more traditional and give someone you love a pampering gift, you can still shop local – arevolution, Haverhill’s beauty sanctuary are offering 20% off gift vouchers for facials and the men don’t get left out; you can 10% off gift vouchers for the Gentlemen's Club through our offers page. Please click here for further details.

arevolution also have some great stocking fillers in the form of beautiful gift bags containing nail polishes and nail files.

Gift vouchers start at £5 or you can purchase vouchers to the value of a specific treatment. Either way, it’s the perfect gift for someone who deserves to be spoiled (I’m thinking YOU here!)

Please click here for more information about arevolution.

So get on board and Buy Local this Small Businesses Saturday, and you may just find yourself shopping locally every Saturday when you experience the personal service and quality our Haverhill businesses have to offer.

For more information about how to get involved in Small Business Saturday and benefit your local small business community, please click here.