MP backs Small Business Saturday with visit to Petworth

Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert visited retailers in Petworth to promote ‘Small Business Saturday’ and is asking shoppers to support their local businesses this week.

Mr Herbert visited Petworth gift shop Red Card last week (Friday 20 November).  He met with owner Sally Matson to hear why shopping in local independent businesses is so important for the vibrancy of small towns and villages.

Sally is a member of the Petworth Business Association that represents the local traders in the town.  They are one of many business groups who are getting behind Small Business Saturday to encourage shoppers to buy locally and from smaller retailers. 

Saturday 5 December will be the third UK Small Business Saturday, an initiative that began in the USA five years ago to help boost small shops.  The UK campaign aims to support, promote and inspire small businesses, and last year saw over half a billion pounds spent with them in just one day.

Nick Herbert said: "Small Business Saturday is a great initiative and I hope it will receive public support.  The campaign gives focus to smaller retailers this Saturday but the impacts are more lasting by making people think about where and how they shop. 

"Our South Downs villages and small market towns have so many terrific independent shops that give character and vibrancy to the local high streets.  They deserve local support.”

ENDS

Notes

   1.    Photograph - Nick Herbert MP with Sally Matson, owner of Red Card in Petworth.

   2.    Further information about Small Business Saturday can be found at http://www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com and twitter @SmallBizSatUK.

   3.    For more information about the Petworth Business Association see www.petworth.biz.