PAIGNTON, 3 SEPTEMBER 2020: Jazz Hands Community Interest Company operating the Palace Theatre based in Paignton will be given a spell in the limelight as part of this year’s Small Biz 100, a national campaign highlighting some of the UK’s most inspiring small businesses.

Marking 100 days building up to Small Business Saturday on 5 December 2020, the Small Biz 100 provides a major profile boost to small businesses across the UK, particularly at this challenging time.Showcasing a daily celebration of the Small Biz 100 through social media, the campaign aims to support and celebrate a vibrant range of small, community driven businesses across the UK.

Jazz Hands CIC and the Palace Theatre Paignton, Torbay’s oldest working theatre, built in 1890, will be placed in the spotlight on 23 November 2020 with a range of celebrations planned, including cream teas, backstage and behind-the-scenes tours (which must be booked in advance) and the opportunity to celebrate with key partners in Torbay’s cultural and business sectors.

Maureen McAllister, Operations Director of Jazz Hands CIC said: “Receiving this accolade is great news and we are delighted to be included in Small Biz 100. This means so much to the whole team and it is so welcome at such a challenging time for the theatre industry. We are thrilled to be amongst many other inspiring small businesses and recognise the added value that this campaign will bring”.

Among the other firms being recognised are a family run florist in Bristol, a beauty salon in Inverness, and a wine school in Chester.

Michelle Ovens MBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: “Congratulations to Jazz Hands CIC and the Palace Theatre for joining the Small Biz 100! This campaign highlights the amazing, positive impact small firms have on communities across the UK. Given the phenomenally tough time small businesses have had, and the special role they played supporting communities in lockdown, it’s vital we continue to support them as this crisis continues. This year’s Small Business Saturday is going to be the most important one yet, and were determined it will also be the best.’

Now in its eighth year in the UK, Small Business Saturday has grown significantly each year, with a record turnout of 17.6 million people choosing to shop small on the day last year, generating an estimated £800m.

The Palace Theatre Paignton