New Forest District Council is supporting UK Small Business Week 2026 (1 to 7 June 2026), a nationwide celebration of the vital role small businesses play in local communities and the wider economy.
The initiative highlights the major contribution small businesses make to the UK economy, employing over 16 million people, accounting for 99% of enterprises and generating more than half of private sector turnover.
Small businesses are at the heart of the New Forest. They support jobs, provide essential services, and help keep town centres, villages, and rural communities thriving. They are a key part of a local economy worth £6.4 billion, supporting around 7,800 businesses and 84,000 jobs across the district.
Councillor Derek Tipp, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economy for New Forest District Council, said: “Small businesses are the backbone of the New Forest economy. They create jobs, support our town centres and villages, and bring life to our rural communities.
“UK Small Business Week is a great opportunity to recognise their contribution and encourage residents to support local.
“With our updated Economic Development Strategy, which will be considered by Cabinet on 3 June, and through the work being undertaken on updating our Local Plan, we are striving to create the right conditions for businesses to grow and succeed. That means making sure we have the right infrastructure, the right skills, and the right places for businesses to locate and invest.
“We want to support sustainable growth that benefits our communities while protecting what makes the New Forest special.”
The revised strategy sets out a clear vision for a strong, inclusive and resilient local economy, where businesses and communities can thrive. It focuses on supporting enterprise and innovation, revitalising town and local centres, and securing investment and infrastructure to enable sustainable growth.
Residents are encouraged to support local businesses during Small Business Week and throughout the year, helping to sustain the independent shops, services and enterprises that play such an important role across the New Forest.
