Big Blue Bus hits town

SMALL businesses in Thame were able to take advantage of free advice and various on-board Workshops this afternoon when the Small Business Saturday Bus rolled into town, and was welcomed by the Mayor, Linda Emery.

SBS Thame Co-ordinator Helen Johns (left) and Mayor of Thame Linda Emery

Business and financial advisers were on hand as well as experts on sales and marketing, social media, and how to improve your presence on Google, most in one-to-one sessions. Jackie Jarvis of Heart of Business, Wallingford, ran a very popular workshop on Sales and Marketing, focusing on 10 quick tips that any small business could learn from to get more customers. Do it Digital hosted a free workshop with Nikhilesh Haval of niKreations offering advice on how to list businesses on Google and Street View.

Jackie Jarvis of Heart of Business, Wallingford

Visitors to the bus were invited to sample local food and drink from the Egg House, the Deli at No 5, and canapes by Katie Ryder-Richardson Catering. Ben Smith of Concha Y Toro held a Chilean wines-tasting board the bus and XT Brewery offered samples of their craft beers. And after all that food and drink, Racquets Fitness Centre were there with a Gym challenge, encouraging everyone to see how long they could hold their arms out straight horizontally with a weight in each hand. The winner, to be announced, wins a free, one month Gym membership at the club.

The Small Business Saturday bus travelled to Thame as part of its UK tour around the country using the theme ‘Small Business, Big Difference’, aiming to promote Small Business Saturday, on December 3.

This annual campaign puts small, independent businesses across the country in the national spotlight, to both consumers and small business owners and in Thame, a day of activities and workshops is planned for December 3, Small Business Saturday. Visit the Thame Small Business Saturday Thame webpage HERE and sign up for the various workshops on December 3, and follow the facebook page HERE

You can keep up-to-date with Small Business Saturday Thame on Facebook via Thame4Business on twitter: HERE