North Devon Council is getting behind Small Business Saturday UK - a grassroots non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support small businesses in their communities. 

The council - which is also behind the Live Love Local campaign, which celebrates and supports North Devon's independent businesses - is calling on the community to back the district's entrepreneurs and help them to succeed in the run-up to Christmas.

Shoppers can also take advantage of extended shopping hours in Barnstaple on Thursday evenings. Throughout December the council is providing free parking from 4PM onwards at designated car parks, including Barnstaple Central, Belle Meadow, Cattle Market, and Tuly Street.

Lead Member for Economic Development and Regeneration at North Devon Council, Councillor Malcolm Prowse, said: "Small businesses are the heart and soul of our communities and local high streets, and the run-up to Christmas can be a crucial time of year for many of them. It is only by supporting our local independent businesses that we can also help our local high streets, village shops and tourist industry to thrive.

“Getting behind campaigns such as this, which champion small local businesses, isn't just about commerce; it's a commitment to fostering vibrant communities, preserving the unique identity of our towns and ensuring economic resilience at a grassroots level. Let's all get behind Small Business Saturday to celebrate the contribution smaller businesses make to life in North Devon."

To take part in Small Business Saturday, small business owners can register and advertise their businesses for free on the Small Business Saturday UK website. The campaign has made marketing packs available and encourages participating businesses to tag them (@smallbizsatuk) in social media posts relating to Small Business Saturday.