Lily Blue Gifts and Home, a gift shop based in Hagley has been named as one of 100 trail-blazing small businesses being celebrated on Small Business Saturday which takes place on December 7.

Lily Blue is one of this year’s ‘Small Biz 100’, a selection of small businesses drawn from every corner of the UK that reflect the vibrancy of the UK’s 5.8 million small businesses.

Owner Angela Jones took over Lily Blue six years ago and has since grown the business and become embedded in the local community of Hagley, also spending time supporting other local small businesses and business owners.

This year, Small Business Saturday coincides with Hagley’s annual festive occasion, Christmas in Hagley. The high street will be open until late as the village celebrates the season with a visit from Father Christmas, musical performances from local community groups and the chance to pick up some gifts from local businesses. Lily Blue is supporting three local entrepreneurs by inviting them to join the Christmas market, setting up stalls alongside some of the village’s established businesses.

Angela said: “Being shortlisted as one of the Small Biz 100 has been such an honour, I can’t believe that out of over 5 million businesses, Lily Blue has been selected. I have loved being part of the bustling life of Hagley village over the last six years and what better occasion is there to celebrate than our annual Christmas event!

“I’m proud to be in a position to be able to support other local small businesses and to be able to include them on the day. Due to our current political uncertainties, it’s more important than ever for people to shop local, I hope that Small Business Saturday will go a long way to encouraging that to continue.”

Now in its seventh year, Small Business Saturday is the UK's most successful small business campaign, which last year saw an estimated £812 million spent in small businesses across the UK on the day, according to research commissioned by founder and principal supporter American Express.

Michelle Ovens, Director of Small Business Saturday, said: “ Small Business Saturday’s increasing popularity means it was harder than ever to choose just 100 of this country’s incredible 5.8 million small businesses to showcase, but we believe those we have chosen are true representatives of the diverse, creative and inspiring heroes at the heart of our communities.”

Christmas in Hagley and Small Business Saturday take place on Saturday, December 7. Celebrations will be from 4.30-8pm and will see the village’s lights being switched on from 6pm.