The festive period is an important time to many small and independent retailers, some of whom rely on the additional business generated at this time of year to remain sustainable.
The national Small Business Saturday event takes place on Saturday 7 December 2024, with shoppers encouraged to support local business, such as those that can be found in West Lothian's traditional town centres of Armadale, Bathgate, Broxburn and Uphall, Linlithgow and Whitburn.
The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses. Now in its twelfth year in the UK, the campaign has grown significantly year on year encouraging millions to shop small. Further campaign detail and how you can participate can be found at www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com (opens new window)
Executive councillor for economy, community empowerment and wealth building, Susan Manion, said "West Lothian is home to a number of truly unique and traditional towns and villages, many of which host a wide variety of small, high quality, specialist retailers, business services and stores.
"Small Business Saturday is the perfect opportunity for local residents to show their support for their local towns centres, with their businesses playing a pivotal role in their communities.
"I'm sure everyone wants to see our towns and village centres remain vibrant and welcoming places to visit, shop, work, live and be entertained in, so it's vital we show them our support."
A number of festive events are taking place around West Lothian over the next few weeks. For a list of all the confirmed events that the council is currently aware of, please visit West Lothian confirmed festive events
