Small businesses across Swindon and the UK will be showcased over the weekend as part of the annual Small Business Saturday campaign – an initiative being supported by North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson.
Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign aiming to support small businesses around the country and highlight the important role they play in our communities and the economy.
People are encouraged to visit and support small businesses in their area – with many small businesses putting on special events.
To mark the day Justin visited the Highworth Emporium – an independent shop selling cards and unique gifts in Highworth.
The COVID pandemic has proved very challenging for many sectors, with small businesses particularly effected.
Aga Gabrysiak, manager of the Highworth Emporium said: “It’s been difficult and next year will be challenging but we are staying as positive as possible.
Things have returned to some sort of normal, with their popular Christmas room open again and a traffic-light system at the front door indicating whether the shop’s nooks and crannies are too full of customers for more shoppers to enter.”
Justin Tomlinson said: “I’m delighted to personally support the Highworth Emporium. We are longstanding customers ever since buying balloons for my 40th birthday here.
As residents will be aware, I have often campaigned in support of small businesses and retailers, including during my time as the All-Party Parliamentary Chair for Retail – and there are so many fantastic ones in Swindon.
Covid-19 has hit small businesses the hardest – making this year’s Small Business Saturday more important than ever. So please consider shopping locally and supporting our local businesses – vital to not just these businesses, but also local employment.”
