This year, Southend BID will once again be supporting Small Business Saturday - the national campaign that takes place on 1st December.
To celebrate local retailers and shopping locally, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council are offering free parking all day on this day at llfracombe Avenue (A13 Southchurch, North Road near Milton) in Southend which will be advertised to visitors.
To be part of Small Business Saturday, simply register here. You will then be sent a marketing pack in the post to use to promote your business and in the process, encourage other local and independent businesses to do the same.
Ensure you special offers are added to the Visit Southend website - if you require a log-in, please email the team at hello@southendbid.com.
The council's dedicated business page will also be publicising this campaign and exclusive offers via its social media channels on the day - you can also share them directly via Twitter @BusinessOnSea or email: economicd@southend.gov.uk. Remember to use the hashtag #SmallBizSatUK.
The festive-themed Best Festive Business competition will also be running alongside. To be involved, you must adorn your business with Christmas decorations and share imagery via the details above. Further information can be found here and an "I'm Taking Part" poster to add to the window of your premises can be downloaded here. Visitors will have the chance to vote for their favourite participating business until Wednesday 12th December. The business with the most votes will receive a personalised promotional video by Blatella Films. A lucky voter will also be chosen to receive a £100 shopping voucher for a business of their choice.