It is Small Business Saturday tomorrow and I really want to take this opportunity to praise small and local businesses across the constituency for the great work they do.
And, after the excitement of Black Friday, I want to encourage my constituents to make a special effort to shop local this weekend.
Small Business Saturday is now in its fifth year and aims to recognise and promote the 5.5million small businesses in the UK.
Around £717million was spent with small businesses on Small Business Saturday in 2016, which is up 15 per cent on 2015. It would be amazing if that sum could rise again this year.
In Wells, there will be blue balloons flying high outside local businesses to encourage passing trade as the Christmas holidays edge ever closer.
So, what better way to get started on the Christmas shopping then heading to your local village, town or city to find out what’s on offer?
You might find something which makes you want to become a regular customer in a shop you did not know about before.
Recently, I have met with the Chambers of Trade in Burnham and Wells, and the Federation of Small Businesses to discuss what more Government can do to help them.
I have been impressed by how well-supported small businesses are in the area – but I want to make sure they get the recognition and support they deserve. They create many jobs locally and provide a real service and identity to the community.
We are so lucky to live in this beautiful part of the country and the businesses across this constituency are absolutely fantastic, and deserve to be rewarded.
I hope you will lend them your support.