Campaign to shop local this weekend
SHOPPERS are being urged to celebrate the best of local business this weekend.
Small Business Saturday takes place today, December 3, championing the cream of the town’s independent shops.
The event includes a special small business market in the former Ethel Austin store in the Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre, with products from entrepreneurs and advice from experts.
Council leader Richard Farnell said: “We’re lucky to have some cracking small businesses in the borough, which offer a high quality service and unique products that you simply wouldn’t find in larger stores.
“We’re working hard to help small businesses, with our business rates reduction scheme, three hours free parking and our new shop front improvement grants, because that’s where the future growth will be. When larger businesses grow, they tend to invest in technology, which reduces the need for employees, whereas our smaller companies are creating more and more jobs for our residents.”
As part of the campaign, 30 of the borough’s best small business have been honoured - and dubbed the ‘Rochdale 30.’
The independent firms, which include a fashion designer, a handmade cake shop and a sports and entertainment venue, were nominated as a great example of small local businesses.
The Rochdale 30 was put together by local accountant and Small Business Saturday ambassador Ruth Pringle, and is part of Rochdale Loves Small Business, a council- backed campaign.
Each Rochdale 30 business was profiled on social media in previous weeks and they all received a certificate from the Mayor of Rochdale, Coun Ray Dutton, to celebrate their success.
Ruth said: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the sheer number and quality of the small businesses which came forward when we put the call out for the Rochdale 30.
“It just shows the huge variety we have here in Rochdale.
“As someone who runs a small business, I know how difficult it can be to get your name out there. That’s why recognition like this is so important.
“I’m hoping to see lots of shoppers at our Small Business Market on Saturday. Visitors might just discover a hidden gem they never knew existed.”
For more information, visit facebook.com/RochdaleLovesSmallBusiness.