Bournemouth shops spotlighted ahead of Small Business Saturday

The campaign, now in its 12th year, kicked off with a national roadshow visiting and showcasing independent businesses across the UK. 

At every stop, the campaign team meet the people behind some of the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses, filming tour videos to share their stories and encouraging consumers to ‘shop local’. 

Among those featured during the visit on November 25 was 24-year-old Matt Simms, owner of Resneaked. 

Paul Kinvig (left) with the team (Image: BNPS)

He launched his clothes shop from his bedroom while at university, now selling pre-loved and brand-new exclusive clothes and trainers from his Westover Road store. 

The tour team also visited Arcadia Escape Rooms, founded by brothers Joe and George Carruthers earlier this year, and KH Jewels in Albert Road, specialists in custom made jewellery. 

And they popped into Flirt Café in The Triangle, family run restaurant El Murrino in Old Christchurch Road and Trove, a collective mall selling a vast selection of unique and novelty items based in The Arcade. 

Bournemouth Town Centre BID chief operating officer Paul Kinvig said: “Small Business Saturday on December 7 is a brilliant campaign which has been banging the drum for the UK’s small businesses for more than a decade, so we were thrilled to welcome them for the second year running and see Bournemouth town centre businesses getting involved. 

“We really hope local people will get involved too and take the opportunity to go out and support small independent businesses in every sector. 

Matt Simms, owner of Resneaked (Image: BNPS)

“They are the lifeblood of our town centres, and it is vital we support them, utilise them and encourage them so that they continue to provide a service which brings so much to our community and our local economy.” 

Bournemouth Town Centre BID has once again thrown its weight behind Small Business Saturday, supporting the campaign through its social media channels and encouraging businesses to take advantage of the free online training, mentoring and webinars being offered. 

Michelle Ovens, director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: “Small businesses sit at the heart of communities, forming the cornerstone of local economies.  

“This is why we are visiting these communities in person with the tour. We are really excited about this next phase and the chance to shine an important light on fabulous small businesses all across the UK, bringing to life their brilliant and unique stories and impact.”