Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities.

This year Small Business Saturday takes place on 5^th December and there will be a range of events and special offers across Oxfordshire.

The public is encouraged to get involved by attending a local events and supporting local small businesses.

Free Parking

Cherwell District

Drivers will be able to park for free from 3pm in council-owned and operated car parks in Bicester and Banbury from 28^th November 2015 until 10^th January 2016 inclusive.

More details can be found here.

South Oxfordshire District

Drivers will be able to park for free in District Council car parks on the following days this December:

• Didcot – every Tuesday
• Goring – every Saturday
• Henley – every Tuesday
• Thame – every Saturday
• Wallingford – every Thursday.

More details for individual towns here.

Vale of White Horse District

Drivers will be able to park for free in District Council car parks on the following days this December:

• Abingdon – all day on Saturday 28^th November
• Faringdon – all day on Saturday 28^th November
• Wantage – all day on Saturday 5^th December.

Events across Oxfordshire

Saturday 28^th November 2015

Abingdon Extravaganza - The annual Extravaganza is back with all day entertainment - live acts on the main stage, donkeys, Punch & Judy, pig roast, bar, local charities & community groups, craft stalls and much more. Enjoy a full day of entertainment, walk around our town centre and see just how much Abingdon has to offer. The day will end with the grand switch on of our Christmas lights and a fantastic firework display.

Saturday 5^th December 2015

Abingdon Craft Market, Market Place - This twice-yearly craft fair takes place in the Market Square and is an opportunity for local craftmakers to showcase and sell their high-quality, handmade crafts, including jewellery, woodturned items, textiles, leather goods, preserves, cakes, photography, and glass items.

Wantage Business Awards - People in Wantage and Grove will again have chance to vote for their favourite local independent business as part of the district’s celebration of Small Business Saturday.

Sponsored by Wantage & District Chamber of Commerce and organised by town team co-ordinator, Mim Norvell, the Small Business Saturday Awards are a chance to recognise great local businesses and the work they do day-in-day-out. The awards offer people chance to vote for their favourite Wantage and Grove indie business in four categories:

• Exceptional Customer Service
• Best Shop Front
• Best Restaurant
• Best Pub

There will be a winner and a Highly Commended in each category, with the awards presented on Small Business Saturday (Saturday 5 December).

The four business award winners receive a certificate and a £50 voucher to be claimed against advertising/marketing costs. Wantage & Grove Loyalty card holders who complete the questionnaire will be entered into a prize draw, and the winner will receive a £50 voucher to be spent with a local Loyalty Scheme business of their choice. Loyalty cards can be purchased from loyalty scheme member businesses. There’s a full list by clicking here.

Watlington Town Christmas Fair - Attractions include a fine food fair, craft and street fair, and community group stalls. Father Christmas arrives on his sleigh. Grotto and grand raffle with prizes, Christmas games and Watlington Concert and Benson Choral Society Choir.

Thame Business Workshops - Bitesize 30-minute workshops throughout the day, covering:

• Social Media Strategy for Small Businesses Made Simple - 10.00 - 10.30am

• Your Digital Brand: Helping You Get the Basics Right - 11.00 - 11.30am

• Converting Goals to Reality: Small Businesses Making Big Things Happen - 2.00 - 2.30pm

• Boost Your Business: Revenue Strategies for Small Businesses - 3.00 - 3.30pm

Thame Small Business Reception - Join the Mayor of Thame, Nichola Dixon, and the Rt Hon John Howell, MP for Henley and Thame, in celebrating Thame’s award as a Rising Star in the Great British High Streets Competition 2015. Raise your glass and enjoy a piece of Rising Star cake, expertly cut by the Mayor of Thame. Listen to John Howell MP talk about what the Government is doing to help small businesses. Network with other small businesses.

Thame Business Surguries - Your opportunity to ask questions about any subject that can be answered by our surgery hosts in a one-2-one environment. Maximum time per surgery visit 15 minutes. 

• Surgery with John Howell, MP for Henley and Thame - John will answer questions related to Government policies relating to business and also help with constituency issues.
  - 11.30 - 12.00pm & 2.00 - 2.30pm 

• Surgery with Graham Hunt, Thame Town Clerk - Graham will answer questions about business rates and related matters that affect businesses in Thame and locally.
  - 10.00 - 12.00pm

• Surgery with Phil Westerman, Darwin Swan Associates - Darwin Smith specialise in mergers and acquisitions, with over a decade of experience in buying and selling businesses. This is your chance to ask Phil about the issues involved in buying or selling a business and the pitfalls you should avoid if you are planning either.
  - 10.00 - 12.00pm & 2.00 - 4.00pm

• Surgery with Paul Mes, Federation of Small Businesses - The FSB is the UK’s leading business organisation with around 200,000 members, supporting UK small businesses for over 40 years. Find out about the benefits of joining, including tax, legal and financial advice.
  - 10.00 - 12.00pm & 2.00 - 4.00pm

All Thame events are free, but booking is essential and is on a first come, first served basis. Email marketing@thame4business.co.uk to reserve your place now!

Friday 4^th December 2015

Henley Christmas Festival, Market Place - This is an annual magical event with a Christmas market, fairground rides, carol singing around the tree, Santa’s Grotto and the switching-on of the lights on the large Christmas tree. All local retailers are encouraged to stay open late.

Wallingford Local Producers Market - 10am to 1pm at the Regal Centre.

Sunday 6^th December 2015

Wallingford Christmas Festival - Featuring live entertainment throughout the day, with Christmas activities and fun for all the family.

Local small businesses get involved

To see how your business can get involved visit the Small Business Saturday webpage here to promote your special offers.

If you have an event in Oxfordshire you’d like to add to this page please email enquiries@oxfordshirebusinesssupport.co.uk with details.