On Friday, I visited independent businesses in Banbury and Bicester to show my support ahead of this year's Small Business Saturday.
This year has been especially tough for our small businesses and I was really pleased to be able to celebrate their hard work in this way. I visited several local shops including Sheila’s Sweets, Nothing But Footprints, Banbury Sewing Centre and Foosian in Banbury, as well as Signature Flowers, Bicester Wools, Coles Books and FLTR Coffee’s new trailer in Bicester.
I had the opportunity to discuss the challenges these businesses have faced during the pandemic and also the support available from the Government. It was particularly interesting to hear about the innovative ways in which many have been able to keep trading, such as through online sales.
It is brilliant that shops have been able to reopen after we have returned from national to local restrictions and I was thrilled to see so many people visiting them. I hope everyone will support our small businesses by shopping locally this Christmas.
