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| Stephen Metcalfe MP with Deborah Stewart from the DIY Centre in Corringham |
Stephen Metcalfe, local MP
for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has today pledged his support to Small
Business Saturday.
Small Business Saturday,
which will take place on 7th December, is a day to recognise the
positive contribution that small businesses make to our economy and our
communities, and to encourage people to support their local small businesses on
the busiest shopping day of the year.
Whilst
American Express originally came up with the concept, Small Business Saturday
has taken off and is now widely supported in the UK by many business groups
including the Federation of Small Businesses, Forum for Private Business, the
Association of Convenience Stores, the British Chamber of Commerce and the
Association of Town & City Management.
Many
local authorities from across the political spectrum have also given their
backing and Mr Metcalfe is seeking to extend this support to Parliament. He
recently signed an Early Day Motion (531) calling on members from all parties
to take part and to shop in local small businesses on Saturday 7th
December.
The local MP has a prolific
track record of supporting small and medium sized enterprises, campaigning on
issues such as access to finance, prompt payment, and keeping trade local. He
commented: “I am delighted to support Small Business Saturday. As well as
encouraging communities to shop in their local small businesses on 7th
December, the initiative also raises vital awareness of the plight of SMEs and
I hope that as a result, people will be supporting their local small businesses
in the run up to Christmas and beyond.”
“At the heart of every local
community you will find small businesses and if we don’t use them, we will lose
them. I would therefore encourage all of my constituents to get involved and
support Small Business Saturday!”
For
further information, visit www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturdayUK
and follow @SmallBizSatUk on
Twitter.
