Rebecca Harris MP backs local businesses on Small Business Saturday

Local economies and high streets received a boost last weekend, as shoppers showed support for small businesses, coming out in force for the UK’s sixth annual Small Business Saturday on 1st December 2018.

On Saturday, Rebecca Harris MP visited small businesses across Castle Point. This unique day is aimed at supporting small businesses in the local community and showcasing their success stories. Many small businesses take an active role in promoting the day by hosting events and offering discounts.

An estimated £812 million was spent in small businesses across the UK on Small Business Saturday, according to research commissioned by founder and principal supporter American Express.  This was up from the £748 million spent on Small Business Saturday last year.

Rebecca visited a range of local fairs and stores such as the haberdashery shop Bodkins, in Thundersley.  Rebecca commented:

“I had a wonderful time visiting a fantastic variety of businesses across Castle Point and seeing the fantastic products and services that they provide!

Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities and the backbone of our highstreets. They are essential to the continued success of our local economy and we should be very proud of the many great small businesses in Castle Point. If you can, shop small for your Christmas presents and help small local businesses thrive”.

Michelle Ovens MBE, Director of Small Business Saturday said: 

“In its sixth year, Small Business Saturday has once again captured the hearts and minds of the nation, boosting spending with Britain’s small independent businesses. It has been a challenging year for the high street, and so to see the amount spent on Small Business Saturday yet again is fantastic. Year-on-year, small businesses prove their importance to their communities, and consumers up and down the country respond with incredible support for and engagement in this important campaign.”