MP Chris White supports campaign to ‘keep trade local’

Mr White and Brian Dormer, the chairman of the Warwickshire and Leamington Branch at the Federation of Small Businesses, went on a shopping trip in Leamington under the slogan of ‘Keep Trade Local’ coincide with the launch of UK’s first Small Business Saturday which is took place last weekend.

The campaign’s aim was to highlight the five million small business, which between them provide 60 per cent of private sector jobs and nearly 50 per cent of private sector turnover, and to encourage consumers to support small businesses in their community.

Mr White said: “I am delighted to support the FSBs Keep Trade Local campaign this Christmas.

“Our small businesses play a vital part in our economy and I would encourage residents and visitors alike to support our local traders and celebrate the role they play in making Warwick and Leamington so unique.”

As part of the campaign, shoppers were challenged to use as many local businesses as possible in one week and to then submit their total spend to the grand Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull total and be in with a chance of winning a £250 cash prize.

Mr Dormer said: “Many small shops face closure as the pressures on independent businesses continues to build. “Rising costs, parking charges and the current economic situation are just a few of the challenges these businesses face.

“It’s important we are able to show our support and encourage other shoppers to do the same.”

Kenilworth MP Jeremy Wright also supported the campaign by shopping in the town last Friday. www.fsb.org.uk/warwickshire