Plea to support Small Business Saturday in Christmas lead-up

Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign highlighting small business success and encourages consumers to shop local and support small businesses in their communities.

The day takes place on the first Saturday in December each year (December 7), but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses.

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County councillor Gordon Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South, said: "This time of year we should see local businesses really busy, as residents and visitors look for essentials, gifts and the occasional bargains. I am always keen to promote and support local businesses whenever possible but feel this year that traders will have to really be on their toes, with many pressures on shoppers.

Prudhoe South councillor Gordon Stewart (Image: Gordon Stewart) "Having spoken with numerous older residents they are reviewing how much they are able to spend on the high streets as a result of the winter fuel allowances being taken from so many, and rising energy costs.

"I was in a small residential street last week and at that time there were four parcel delivery vans. I appreciate that consumers now have that choice and the convenience, but also ask them to consider their local shops whenever they can, as they are often competitive on price and outstanding in service."

Tracy Gilmore, who owns an estate agent on Front Street in Prudhoe, said: "Estate agents see regular fluctuations in sales due to many factors such as the season. We have many fantastic local businesses throughout Tynedale offering a wide range of goods and services, they provide something way beyond what major stores in larger towns and cities would ever be able to even consider.

"My plea would be to check out what is on offer locally and help them and the wider community by giving them some of your trade, as the old saying goes 'use it or lose it'."

Corbridge county councillor Nick Oliver said: "Corbridge often receives national plaudits for the quality and variety of its independent retailers and Small Business Saturday comes hot on the heels of the spectacular Corbridge Christmas Tree Festival organised by St. Andrews Church ending with the annual Corbridge Late Night Christmas Shopping Evening.

"Thousands of local residents and visitors will have seen what great small businesses we have and I'm sure will return to support Small Business Saturday by shopping locally."