Small Business Saturday, a celebrated tradition worldwide, has been gaining momentum across the city of Lincoln. This annual event, typically falling on the first Saturday of December, is a day dedicated to promoting and supporting local small businesses. In Lincoln, the Lincoln Business Improvement Group (Lincoln BIG) is working in partnership with the Small Business Support Officer from the City of Lincoln Council to play a pivotal role in championing this initiative, ensuring that the vibrant local business community receives the recognition and support it deserves.
Small Business Saturday encourages locals and visitors to shift their holiday shopping focus from big-chain retailers to the smaller, independently owned businesses that play a great role in the local economy. This campaign emphasises the importance of buying locally and supporting those enterprises that contribute significantly to the unique character and vitality of the Lincoln community.
Lincoln, with its historic charm and thriving small business scene, is the ideal place to celebrate Small Business Saturday. Local shops, boutiques, restaurants, and artisanal craftspeople all play a crucial role in shaping the character of the city. Throughout the month, Lincoln BIG are delighted to spotlight local small businesses, to help boost foot traffic and sales.
By shopping at local businesses, residents and visitors become active participants in preserving the uniqueness and vibrancy of Lincoln’s community. It's a day when commerce, community, and culture come together to celebrate the businesses that make Lincoln a truly special place.
Here are just some of the fabulous small businesses located in the city:
Immerse Yourself in Lincoln's Ultimate Escape Rooms and Virtual Reality Thrills at Tension Twisted Realities.
Tension Twisted Realities in Lincoln combines escape room thrills with cutting-edgevirtual reality, offering cutting-edge technology which pushes the boundaries witha unique immersive experiences.
Specialising in thrilling adventures for adrenaline enthusiasts and mentalchallengers, Tension Twisted Realities offers interactive narratives, puzzle-solving,and mystery unlocking in both physical and virtual realms. Whether you're anescape room enthusiast or tech-savvy adventurer, Tension Twisted Realitiespromises an unforgettable experience with friends and family.
Beyond the physical, their adventures extend into the virtual, using cutting-edgetechnology to craft mind-bending scenarios. Ideal for individual thrill-seekers andgroups alike, Tension Twisted Realities is the go-to destination for a unique blend ofexcitement, mental stimulation, and interactive entertainment.
Harding House Gallery is a beautiful Grade II listed building, constructed in the 15th Century. The venue is run by adiverse group of artists and makers.
Nestled in the heart of Lincoln on the picturesque Steep Hill, Harding House Gallery stands as a dynamic artistic haven, proudly displaying a diverse range of contemporary artworks and crafts.
This historic gallery, a vital part of Lincoln's cultural landscape, provides a platformfor both emerging and established artists. With its charming setting within thehistoric building, Harding House Gallery invites locals and visitors to explore andappreciate a unique mix of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and other forms ofvisual art. The gallery's commitment to fostering creativity and supporting thelocal art community makes it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts!
Run by artists and makers, the gallery is a unique space for exhibitions,contributing significantly to the promotion of the arts in Lincolnshire. The uppergallery hosts an ongoing exhibition programme featuring solo and group shows,ensuring a vibrant and inspiring experience for visitors.
Jailhouse Frock, located on Sincil Street, specialises in gorgeous vintage reproduction clothing, inspired by the glamour of the 1940s and 50s.
Jailhouse Frock, situated in the Cornhill Quarter, offers a captivating shopping experience. Its 50s diner and tiki bar-themed interior design create a unique atmosphere, defying the ordinary making a memorable and delightful experience.
The shop goes beyond retail with regular events, including Bad GirlsClub gatherings, live music performances, and collaborations with local businesses. From vintage fashion shows to embroidery workshops, the shop constantly strives to surprise and delight its customers. This community-oriented approach extends afterhours, with the Bad Girls Club fostering a sense of community through a mailing list and a private Facebook group for like-minded individuals to share ideas and outfits.
Jailhouse Frock is more than a retail store - it's a celebration of individuality, acommunity hub, and a vibrant contributor to Lincoln's cultural tapestry. The founder's dedication to providing an exceptional shopping experience and fostering a sense of community reflects not only a successful business but a genuine passion for vintage style and the people of Lincoln.
Simpsons Beauty Group is an award winning chain of beauty salons and spas based in and around Lincoln specialising inbeauty, nails, skincare, lasers, spa and more.
The city branch was the first branch in the group and opened in 2004. After its success the business went on to expand and open a second branch in the village of Branston, located in the grounds of the former Branston Hall Hotel, this branch concentrating more on spa days. In 2020 a third branch was opened in North Hykeham specialising in all beauty services as well as medical grade lasers and advanced aesthetic treatment.
The business now employs around 45 beauty therapist and is set to expand further after purchasing another city centre building earlier this year (22-22b Guildhall street). The new branch is set to open during early 2024 after undergoing a full renovation project.The building will see a brand new high end beauty and nail salon as well as a separate beauty training collage. Simpsons Beauty Group has won multiple awards during its years of being open and hopes expand further in the next few years with a large expansion tot he Branston branch offering more spa packages and spa facilities.
Caffè Portico serves real authentically crafted woodfired Neapolitan AVPN accredited pizzas.
Caffè Portico is an award winning Cafe and Restaurant in Lincoln City Centre. Providing freshly cooked, locally sourced food, cakes and coffee. Freshly cooked pizzas are available for eat in and takeaway on their pizza nights on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights!
A family-run Italian restaurant located just off the High Street in Lincoln's Cultural Quarter, serving delicious homemade Italian cuisine from breakfast through to dinner. Their menu is varied; ranging from Italian twists on the English breakfast, artisan sandwiches and ciabattas, omelettes, pasta dishes, platters, salads,and daily specials. They also serve coffee, cake, and light bites.
American candies, sodas, snacks and alot more!
SugarSweet USA specialises in selling all main confectionary brands recognised in the USA, Jolly Rancher, Peeps, Warheads, Takis, Goldfish, Calypso, Gatorade, Hershey's and many more.
The premise of the shop is a hub for all the major confectionery brands recognised in the USA, but are hard to get hold of here in the United Kingdom. Sugar Sweet USA is the first independent family run American candy store inthe city, located within the Waterside Shopping Centre.
These examples demonstrate the diversity of businesses in Lincoln and the brilliant products and services they offer. Each business brings its own unique charm and offerings, contributing to the overall vibrancy of the Lincoln’s small business community.
Danielle, Relationship & Operations Manager at Lincoln BIG, commented “Lincoln offers an incredible range of small businesses, and there’s no better time to support and showcase their diversity then Small Business Saturday. It's not just about shopping; it's about investing in our community, celebrating local entrepreneurship, and preserving the heart and soul of our city!"
Becki Taylor, Small Business Support Officer at the City of Lincoln Council added: “Lincoln has a great small business community and what better way to showcase the offer Lincoln has by supporting Small Business Saturday. This is a great national campaign, and we encourage all customers in Lincoln to go out, shop local and support small businesses in the city.”
Lincoln BIG is pleased to have provided resources and assistance to small businesses in anticipation of Small Business Saturday. This includes guidance on marketing, promotions, and marketing materials. This assistance empowers local businesses to make the most of the increased foot traffic during this critical shopping day. If you would like to take part, please contact info@lincolnbig.co.uk
Lincoln’s Waterside centre is undergoing an exciting rejuvenation with major investment from its new owners.
Works to improve the area’s road surfacing, drainage, footways and traffic signals has started
