Wendy Morton MP visited a range of local small businesses at the weekend in recognition of Small Business Saturday, and to raise awareness of the importance of shopping locally, and supporting the local economy.

Now in its third year, Small Business Saturday takes place on the first shopping Saturday of December and it is the UKs most successful small business campaign.

Wendy said “small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and by shopping local we can support our town and village centres and the businesses we have here, right on our doorstep. Christmas is a good time to shop local but we should also remember the importance of shopping local all year round.”

Mrs Morton started the day with an early visit to the Herbarium flower shop in Aldridge, just as the days fresh flowers were arriving. It was then on to Oakdene Nursery and Roots to Fruit in Streetly, Harjit and Jodie Singh’s convenience store in High Heath, and then Kind Thoughts in Pelsall. The day was rounded off with a cup of coffee and a mince pie at the Coffee House in Brownhills.

In the recent Autumn statement Chancellor George Osbourne announced that 600,000 small businesses will receive business rate relief for another year, something which has been welcomed and will give continued support to small businesses in Aldridge-Brownhills.