UK CONSUMERS SPENDING MORE WITH SMALL BUSINESSES DUE TO SOCIAL MEDIA, AMERICAN EXPRESS SHOP SMALL RESEARCH REVEALS New research from American Express Shop Small shows that social media has driven UK consumers to spend more with small businesses in the last 12 months. With social media being key for businesses and customers to stay connected and engaged during the pandemic, nearly threequarters (72%) of UK adults who follow more small businesses on social media now than they did 12 months ago are spending more with them. In total, UK consumers have spent £3.7billion with small businesses they follow on social media in the last year. While following small businesses on Instagram is more prevalent among females and those under 35, those aged 55 and over are the most likely to have spent with them (68%), compared to 59% of those aged 35 and under. The research also reveals nearly half of followers (47%) are more willing to spend more money with a business they follow on social media. Restaurants have benefited the most from the power of social media, with their followers on average spending £50.80 with them in the last year, followed by clothing businesses whose followers have spent an average of £32.60. UK consumers’ support for small businesses goes beyond financial benefits. Over half (55%) of those who follow small businesses say following makes them more willing to tell their friends and family about the business, while 52% care more about the success of the business and are happy to buy the business’ products. Over a third (35%) of small business followers say they are more willing to support small businesses since Covid-19. Michelle Ovens, Director of Small Business Saturday, said, “Digital channels have been a lifeline for businesses during the pandemic and this research shows just how much that converts into income for the smallest businesses. Building relationships online can open up huge opportunities for retail and hospitality and we have seen just how much the public have embraced those relationships over the last year. With Small Business Saturday coming up, businesses have a great opportunity to engage with customers through social, to build even bigger reach via things like the friends and family referral (55%!) and make this festive season a commercial success once again.” THE PUPPET COMPANY SIGNS SOFT TOY CONTRACT WITH WWF-UK The Puppet Company, the largest wholesaler of puppets and soft toys in Europe, has announced that it has signed a contract with WWF-UK as the new supplier of the soft toys sent to supporters who take out a WWF-UK animal adoption. The Puppet Company has also announced its accreditation with the eco label Blue Angel. The Puppet Company is the only UK toy company accredited and one of only two toy companies in Europe to be awarded this certification for soft toys, which reduces impacts on the environment. Family business The Puppet Company produces a huge selection of puppets and soft toys played with around the world and is passionate about both our products and the environment. German eco label Blue Angel has been leading the way for environmentally friendly product design over the past 40 years. It helps customers select environmentallyfriendly products by certifying that the environmental impacts usually associated with soft toy products have been minimised. Owner and Co-Founder Sue Lockey says, “We are delighted to be working with WWF-UK and are committed to supporting them as they continue their mission through the supply of our bespoke soft toys, used as optional extras in the animal adoption process to help raise vital funds to support WWF’s work. As the only UK toy company with Blue Angel certification, we are continuing to develop sustainable products. We are really excited to introduce new ranges of Eco puppets and soft toys made from recycled plastic over the coming months as we build on our commitment to supporting the environment.” WWF is the world’s leading independent conservation organisation. Its mission is to create a world where people and wildlife can thrive together. Lauren Wiseman, Environmental Manager for WWF (UK) said, “WWF is committed to ensuring all aspects of our adoption packs, including our soft toys, are produced to the highest environmental standards. The Blue Angel certification assesses several aspects of toy production, from raw materials to labour conditions, to ensure that toys are produced with sustainability in mind. WWF-UK are grateful to The Puppet Company for collaborating with us to bring Blue Angel to the UK soft toy market and hope this will inspire others to follow suit.” Janine Braumann, Blue Angel, stated “We are very pleased that The Puppet Company has risen to the challenge and achieved the strict requirements of the Blue Angel, with more sustainable toys to follow. Consumers place high demands on toys and naturally want them to be free from hazardous substances. This is why the Blue Angel criteria places such a strong focus on the avoidance and minimisation of harmful substances, as well as on the verification of compliance through periodic tests.” www.thepuppetcompany.com 14
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