AN ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE boutique has been named one of the Nation’s Favourite Businesses for 2026.
Decisions Clothing, an independent boutique specialising in handpicked designer womenswear from international labels, has been selected as part of this year’s Small Business Saturday campaign following a nationwide search.
Founded by Val Unwin in 1999, it has become a familiar name on the town’s high street.
The recognition comes as Small Business Saturday launches its annual campaign encouraging people to support independent businesses, with this year’s Nation’s Favourite Businesses replacing the campaign’s long-standing SmallBiz100 line-up.
Each business selected will be showcased as part of the official countdown to Small Business Saturday on December 5.
For Decisions owner Val, the recognition comes during a particularly special year, as the business celebrates its 27th anniversary while she herself reaches the milestone age of 70.
Val said: “It’s an honour for Decisions to be part of the Nation’s Favourite Businesses.
“Quite the year for it too – the shop turns 27 this year and I’ll be turning 70 myself!
“I can’t wait to see the other businesses on the list; and it’s a chance to champion the fantastic independents and market traders in Ashton, alongside businesses right across the country.
“Don’t hit the keyboard…hit your local High Street!”
Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign which aims to celebrate and support independent businesses by encouraging the public to shop locally and spend with small firms.
Since launching in the UK in 2013, the campaign has engaged millions of people and has seen billions of pounds spent with small businesses across the country on Small Business Saturday.
Michelle Ovens CBE, director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: “Small businesses have always been, and will continue to be, among the nation’s favourite businesses.
“Whether on our high streets, online or embedded in local communities, they play a vital role in the places we live and in the strength of our economy.”
She added that this year’s businesses represented the “incredible diversity” of the UK’s small business community, from independent cafés and restaurants to makers, services and traders.
The campaign is urging the public to get behind small businesses during the final quarter of the year, traditionally a crucial trading period for independent firms.
It has previously received public support from the Royal Family, Prime Minister and Chancellor, Leader of the Opposition, Mayor of London and more than 90 per cent of local councils.
Dan Edelman, general manager, UK merchant services at American Express, said: “Small businesses bring energy, innovation and character to our high streets and local economies.
“That’s why American Express is proud to have founded Small Business Saturday and why we continue to back small businesses to help them thrive.”