By Olivia Jayne Suban
Studio G, a small business from Oldham, was one of just 100 from around the country invited to Downing Street to mark the UK’s fourth annual Small Business Saturday.
Robert Cragg, from Scouthead who is joint owner of Studio G with Lisa Marie Gee, attended the reception in London on Thursday, December 1.
Small Business Saturday, a grassroots not-for-profit campaign, places independent business in the national spotlight, trying to prompt people to support them all year round.
Small businesses planned events and promotions to attract clients and customers and the campaign involved a five-week nationwide bus tour around 29 towns and cities to promote Small Business Saturday on December 3.
Lisa Marie Gee, Artistic Director and Principal Photographer at Studio G, said: “We’re delighted to have been chosen to represent small businesses across the country.
“We work with a lot of them locally – they provide great service at sensible prices, and we love the personal touch.”
Prime Minister Theresa May said: “Small Business Saturday is an opportunity for us to celebrate the success of the UK’s 5.4 million small businesses – from family run restaurants, to local corner shops.
“I’m delighted we had such a great representation of firms here in Downing Street to mark this event and recognise the prosperity they bring to the UK.”
Jim McMahon, MP for Oldham West and Royton and Oldham Ambassador, visited Studio G on Small Business Saturday to hear about their work and the challenges facing small businesses.
He said: “The important contribution that small businesses make to the local economy cannot be overestimated.
“They play a vital role in our communities and on our high streets daily. They are the lifeblood of our towns. The Government needs to stop neglecting small businesses and provide them with the investment they need to thrive.
“Studio G is a great example of how a successful business can be driven by real passion for what you love doing.”
American Express was the founder of Small Business Saturday and is its principal supporter as part of its on-going commitment to encourage consumers to shop small.
The campaign also benefits from the backing of leading business organisations, including the Federation of Small Businesses and Enterprise Nation as well as other corporate supporters.
“Small Business Saturday has become an exceptional example of collaboration and co-operation with small businesses teaming up in communities around the UK,” explains Campaign Director, Michelle Ovens.
“We aim to showcase the level of diversity and talent that is active within our small business sector and persuading people to get out and support them and reinforce local communities and economies.”
Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Greg Clark, said: “I am proud to be joining Small Business Saturday in championing them, and would encourage as many people as possible to get out to their local high street this weekend to do the same.”
Studio G opened its doors in April 2015, and offers portrait, commercial and event photography as well as photoshoot parties for young children. Find out more on their website.
More information on Small Business Saturday can be found on the Small Business Saturday Facebook page, Twitter page and website.
