Mayor Backs Push to Spend on Your High Street and Shop Local in Vital Christmas Run-In

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has dropped in on vital local stores as a fresh campaign for shoppers to back lifeblood small businesses gathers pace.

The “Shop Local” campaign is shining a light on the independent businesses which keep our high streets alive.

And the run-in to Christmas – and the New Year – remain as crucial as ever for the bottom line of hundreds of our small businesses in our communities.

The Mayor visited Saltburn and Yarm this week to hear from business owners themselves.

Fiona Carter, owner of The Candy Bank, on Milton Street, Saltburn, said: “Local support means everything to us.

“When people choose to shop local, it keeps the high street alive and lets independent businesses like ours keep doing what we love.”

The push for people to Shop Local comes ahead of Small Business Saturday UK (6 December) – a national push to celebrate the country’s 5.5 million small businesses and the huge difference they make to communities and the economy.

Paddy Morton, General Manager of Strickland and Holt, Yarm, added: “There’s something special about being part of a local high street. When people choose to shop with independents, it strengthens that sense of community and keeps our town centres vibrant and unique in character.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Small businesses are the absolute lifeblood of the economy and, for many businesses, the lead-up to Christmas will be the most important time of year.

“It’s these people that get up every morning, put their money at risk, take on all the stress and put in all the effort of opening their own businesses and employing people in the towns where we live.

“People talk about big investment, but it’s small businesses who support millions and millions of jobs up and down this country.

“They deserve our support throughout the year, of course. But this Christmas, let’s make a special effort to support the people who give our towns and villages their unique character, and who make our region such a special place to live.”

Ziggy’s Luxury Gifts and Hampers, in Nunthorpe, sells a variety of luxury flowers and hampers as well as a wide range of gifts from its base on Rookwood Road.

Owner Nicola McIntosh said: “When people open independent stores they’re at the heart of the community, they give something back and provide a service.

“It’s an old phrase but it is often a case of “use it or lose it”. Not all people find it easy, or want, to go to a big shopping centre.

“We are always striving to get better and all the people we employ are local people. It’s right to say the money you spend locally does go back into your community.”

The Tees Valley Combined Authority has backing available through grants, advice and tailored business support to help companies grow and thrive.

Find out how we can support your business today at: Business Support – Business