Small Business Saturday gives town a chance to set its stall out for the future
Derbyshire Dales MP SARAH DINES looks to garner support from people in buying local to help foster local business successes
THIS year, Small Business Saturday falls on Saturday, December 4.
Small Business Saturday UK highlights small firms’ success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities.
The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses.
On Small Business Saturday, customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, online, in offices and in stores.
I am a passionate believer in supporting local businesses. When we shop local, we are not supporting giant businesses from elsewhere within the United Kingdom, we are instead supporting local families.
This is always important, but perhaps even more so now as we recover from the economic impact of the pandemic.
We have so many fantastic entrepreneurs in Ashbourne and the surrounding villages and some incredibly talented makers and producers.
I always try to visit as many local businesses as possible when I am not in Parliament and I am always very impressed by the local produce on offer and the entrepreneurial spirit which is very much alive and well in Derbyshire Dales.
Buying locally can be very economical but it also has a big impact on the environment. When we buy from local producers, the carbon footprint of products is significantly reduced.
As we approach Small Business Saturday, I do encourage you to look around your local area to see the fantastic businesses which would very much welcome your support.
If you are looking for Christmas gift inspiration, I urge you to look around your local community for local sellers; there are a lot more than you think.
On Friday night, I attended the Christmas light switch-on in Ashbourne and the town was alive with the excitement of a Christmas to come.
There were huge crowds as the lights were turned on and the tractors were wonderfully lit up for the drive past.
The Town Hall was lit up and the shops were adorned beautifully as usual.
I popped in to see the Town Mayor and the other town councillors after the lights were turned on for a very welcome glass of mulled wine. After this difficult year for us all it’s great to see the Ashbourne community standing together to start the Christmas season.
I would like to personally thank the
Town Council for all they do for Ashbourne. Ashbourne is a brilliant community of welcoming, caring and kind people, who are fiercely proud of their town, as they should be. I am incredibly proud to represent you all as your Member of Parliament.
I wholeheartedly believe that this Christmas will be better and easier than the last, but it is up to all of us to take the necessary precautions. This means wearing facemasks on public transport and in shops and protecting ourselves from the Omicron variant.
Derbyshire Dales remains at the low end of the local County Covid infection rates according to the latest statistics.
However, we must continue to forge ahead with the vaccination programme and test regularly. Please do have your booster vaccination when you are eligible.
Ashbourne is a brilliant community of welcoming, caring and kind people, who are fiercely proud of their town