Show local business people your support

AS we move towards Christmas and shopping is high up there on our list, please remember our local businesses.

Our small independent businesses have had a very tough time since the start of the pandemic and desperately need our trade in what is probably the busiest time of year for them.

Shopping local has many benefits and offers people the opportunity to buy something truly unique whilst at the same time helping local people and businesses and keeping Carmarthenshire’s economy moving.

We are launching our first Christmas 100% Sir Gâr pop-up shops in December in Llanelli and Carmarthen town centres, these are free of charge for local businesses to sell their products and are spread out over four weeks.

They are a fantastic opportunity for people wanting to start up a business and highlight their products.

100% Sir Gâr also gives local retailers and producers across the county an online platform to showcase their goods with a virtual shop window - we encourage any local business not already signed up to do so quickly to take advantage of the Christmas trade.

We can also support each other and those less fortunate than ourselves in other ways this Christmas.

Please consider donating to our Christmas Toybox Appeal which ensures that local children, whose families are struggling to buy gifts or toys, are given a gift at Christmas. Without this appeal they may otherwise receive very little or nothing.

You might also consider donating to your local foodbank, as there will be many people unable to provide the basics for their families this winter.

Whatever you can give, and whatever you can do - please help, and show local people your support.