As the Prime Minister’s Small Business Ambassador for London, Mary Macleod MP is joining forces with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) to encourage local residents to do their Christmas shopping locally.

Mary commented:

“We have some fantastic independent shops and businesses on our High Streets, something that contributes to the unique character of our area. We all need to do our bit to support them so they can continue to grow. I hope you will join me to take the ‘Keep Trade Local London Challenge’ as you do your Christmas shopping this year”.

“Do also join myself and Cllr Paul Lynch in Chiswick if you can for the switching on of the Christmas lights outside the George IV on Chiswick High Road on Thursday 27th November. We will be entertained by carols and many of the local shops will stay open late that night to help us get our festive shopping underway.”

Small Business Saturday is an initiative first started in the U.S. to encourage people to support their local small, independent businesses at this time of year. It has the backing of the Prime Minister and all political parties. The FSB are offering prizes of up to £500 for shopping with participating businesses in the fortnight leading up to Small Business Saturday which is being held on 6th December this year. For more details please see www.keeptradelocal.london.

Mary added:

“If you have a small business and would like to get involved in Small Business Saturday, please see www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com for more information. I looking forward to being out and about around all of our High Streets on Small Business Saturday to visit as many small businesses as I can and I hope to see many of you then.”