Small Business Saturday Norwich

Small Business Saturday is a grassroots campaign that celebrates independent businesses across the country. Though only in its third year on UK shores, the initiative has hit the ground running. Flash sales, networking events and an excitable online buzz make ‘SmallBizSat’ appeal to merchant and customer alike.

NWES Norwich Event

I spent a large part of my Saturday at a business fayre, organised by local advisors NWES. One of many such events across East Anglia, it championed local businesses and showed the public how advisors can help them run their own. In typical NWES fashion, the day struck a great balance between learning, showcasing one’s wares and B2B networking. We set up camp in the morning, and by 10am the hall was thriving with different pursuits: from audio engineering and pilot training to homemade pet toys and adventure therapy. It was great to discuss the perks and pitfalls of business with others, and to glimpse a new angle of Norwich’s creative scene. I suppose this is the essence of Small Business Saturday.

Digital Marketing Masterclass

Besides the above, we were also treated to a digital marketing masterclass – a rundown of web design, search engine optimisation, social media and content marketing advice. I daresay I dabble in these, so I was interested in how they’d be shown to such a varied audience. The presentation was well-delivered and concise; NWES got the points across without oversimplifying important terms or resorting to jargon – a difficult feat in the acronymous world of SEO. Those who took notes have put their website in good stead for the future.

So, once again it seems I am indebted to NWES for helping bring together Norwich’s small businesses. I hope that every community can benefit from such an organisation. I got home from Small Business Saturday feeling reinvigorated in my work, and I already look forward to next year’s event.

I should add that – as a lucky recipient of an NWES branded sweet – the refreshments were smashing as well.

Hello from @phasethreegoods at our #SmallBizSatUK fayre at #RouenHouse! pic.twitter.com/xLSx5zFmMB

— Nwes Premises (@Nwes_Premises) December 5, 2015