Foulds Guitars, based in The Strand Arcade in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter, has been selected for the 2026 Nation’s Favourite Businesses line-up following a nationwide search.
Established in Derby in 1893, Foulds is one of the UK’s longest-standing independent music retailers and has been helping generations of musicians for more than 130 years.
The business sells new and pre-owned guitars, amplifiers, keyboards and accessories, as well as offering instrument repairs and servicing, music tuition and a programme of events.
Its latest recognition comes as Small Business Saturday launches its annual campaign celebrating the contribution independent businesses make to communities and the wider UK economy.
The Nation’s Favourite Businesses initiative is a new development of the campaign’s long-running SmallBiz100 and will showcase selected businesses in the countdown to Small Business Saturday on Saturday, December 5.
Jason Marshall, owner and managing director of Foulds Guitars, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have been selected as one of the Nation’s Favourite Businesses.
“Foulds has been part of Derby since 1893, and although the business has changed enormously during that time, its purpose has remained the same: helping people make music and supporting our local community.
“Independent businesses bring personality, specialist knowledge and genuine human connection to our towns and cities.
“Every time someone chooses to support a small business, they help protect local jobs, skills and the individual character of their community.
“This recognition belongs to the entire Foulds team and to the customers, teachers, musicians and families who continue to support us. We simply wouldn’t still be here without them.”
Brad Worley, Manager of Cathedral Quarter BID and St Peters Quarter BID, congratulated the team on the achievement.
He said: “Jason and the team at Foulds Guitars do a fantastic job and they have an enormous customer base around the UK.
“Independent businesses like Foulds Guitars are something to cherish, and it is a very much appreciated small business in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter.”
Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign which encourages people to support independent firms and spend locally.
Originally founded by American Express in the United States in 2010, the campaign launched in the UK in 2013, with American Express remaining its principal supporter.
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.
“This year’s Nation’s Favourite Businesses are a true representation of the UK’s most-loved small businesses.
“From independent, family-run cafés and local restaurants to makers, services and traders, they showcase the incredible diversity of the UK’s small business community.
“We know how important small businesses are and the challenges they face, so as we kick off this year’s Small Business Saturday campaign, we’re urging the public to get behind them during the most critical trading quarter of the year.”
Dan Edelman, General Manager, UK Merchant Services at American Express, added: “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.
“This year’s Nation’s Favourite Businesses are a brilliant showcase of the UK’s entrepreneurial spirit, and we’re delighted to be providing grant funding that will help two of these inspiring businesses invest in their next chapter of growth.”
Since its UK launch, Small Business Saturday has engaged millions of people and generated billions of pounds of spending with small businesses.
Last year’s campaign also received widespread support from public figures, local authorities and organisations across the country.
Small Business Saturday 2026 takes place on Saturday, December 5.
For more information about the Nation’s Favourite Businesses campaign, visit the Small Business Saturday UK website.