Thirty of Rochdale’s small businesses honoured at Rochdale Town Hall

Small Business Saturday Ambassador Ruth Pringle with some of the Rochdale 30 Front left: Small Business Saturday Ambassador Ruth Pringle with some of the Rochdale 30

Thirty of Rochdale’s small businesses have been honoured at Rochdale Town Hall, as the borough gears up to celebrate Small Business Saturday this weekend.

The independents, which include businesses as diverse as a fashion designer, a handmade cake shop and a sports and entertainment venue, have all been nominated as a great example of small local businesses and form part of the Rochdale 30.

The Rochdale 30 was put together by local accountant and Small Business Saturday Ambassador Ruth Pringle, and is part of Rochdale Loves Small Business, a campaign which is the borough’s celebration of Small Business Saturday.

A special small business market will be taking place in the Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre to mark Small Business Saturday this weekend, 3 December.

Residents can browse stalls featuring products like Amelia Alice handmade jewellery, Aromaflow candles, and Greg Couzen’s handmade soaps, throughout the day and pick up unique Christmas gifts. The Federation of Small Businesses will also be on hand to offer free business advice to budding entrepreneurs.

Ruth Pringle, said: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the sheer number and quality of the small businesses which came forward when we put the call out for the Rochdale 30 and it just shows the huge variety we have here in Rochdale.

“As someone who runs a small business, I know how difficult it can be to get your name out there. That’s why recognition like this is so important. I’m hoping to see lots of shoppers at our Small Business Market on Saturday. Visitors might just discover a hidden gem they never knew existed.”