Independents’ Day 2014 to celebrate small hospitality businesses

05-Jun-2014 - Last updated on 06-Jun-2014 at 13:53 GMT

Related tags National skills academy Business Uk

The Independents’ Day campaign celebrates the contribution small businesses make to the UK

Charity for the hospitality industry People 1st is running this year’s Independents’ Day campaign which celebrates the contribution small businesses make to the UK. Previously focusing on retail outlets, 2014 is the first year the hospitality industry will be involved.

The campaign, which is also run by the National Skills Academy for Retail (NSAR), is now in its fourth year and People 1st is encouraging smaller independent hospitality businesses to take part now it is not only for retail.

Take the limelight

Star of the BBC’s Dragons’ Den Theo Paphitis has thrown himself behind the campaign to support smaller businesses, which he believes are the key to the UK’s retail, hospitality and tourism industries.

Paphitis said: “I would definitely encourage town centres to embrace Independents’ Day. Small and independent businesses are the lifeblood of the UK’s high streets and tourist hotspots, so making sure that they have the right skills for success is vital to the economy.

“Independents’ Day is a fantastic opportunity for small businesses to take the limelight, attract new customers and show off the unique offer that sets them apart. But it’s important that business owners are prepared to take advantage of this opportunity. That means making sure that their staff are trained to deliver excellent service and that they themselves have the skills to promote their business and maximise sales.”

Ways to join in

People 1st are encouraging independent businesses to get involved, and are running training support to businesses before the actual Independents’ Day, which is on 4 July. This focuses on customer service and digital marketing skills. Operators such as restaurants, pubs, hotels, cafes, caterers and contract caterers can also enter a competition run by Mondelez International, which sponsors the day, to win a free place on the Digital High Street Skills programme.

Theo-Pathitis — Dragon's Den's Theo Paphitis supports Independents' Day

Businesses can get involved in many ways, including displaying Independents’ Day posters and using social media to alert customers to the campaign. On the day they are encouraged to run special events such as competitions, a themed day or a treasure hunt, and arrange special window displays or run workshops.

Many businesses and towns have confirmed support for the day Independents’ Day and are planning events and activities, and the campaign is also supported by 18 trade associations.

Businesses can find out more at: www.indieday.co.uk.