'Small Business Saturday should be all-year round for Medway' - say Local Liberal Democrats

Small Business Saturday 2023 is on 2nd December, and local Liberal Democrats recognise this as an excellent opportunity to promote small businesses and to celebrate the contribution smaller businesses make to Medway's economy. We believe that Small Businesses are the heart and soul of Medway's high streets and it is only by supporting our local independent businesses that we can also help our local high streets to thrive.

We are calling on Medway Council to promote Small Business Saturday and continue to support small businesses throughout the year, by developing a year round communications plan to promote local small businesses and encouraging residents in Medway to shop small and shop local all year-round.

Supporting small businesses in our community is more important than ever before, and Medway Liberal Democrats know how difficult it has been for our businesses during the last few years. 'Centre for Cities' which tracks the recovery of high streets in Britain's cities and large towns, states 'South East England (outside London) is the UK region which has seen the biggest number of high street store closures'. More people are choosing where they shop based on the ethics of the company, rather than just cost and convenience. Small Businesses pay their fair share of tax and so by encouraging people to use them, it supports the local economy in two ways.

Already, a number of businesses around Medway have closed for good. We are calling on the Council to support fledgling businesses, to be proactive in using all its resources and to ensure our high streets can thrive. A long-term response and what role we want our town centres and high streets to play is crucial. We don't just need more shops, there should be a mix of residential, artistic, creative, educational and public space put back into our town centres.

John Castle, spokesperson for Medway Liberal Democrats said, "Medway's local high streets are facing a crisis, with countless empty shops. Our high streets are struggling, compounded by changes in consumer habits, years of neglect and poor planning. Medway saw several household-name retailers close shops and many more suffering from poor sales figures.

These businesses help make our local community what it is, and play a crucial role in our local economy. They are places of identity, of connection and community, as well as economic exchange. Key to the revival, is the number of people living on or near our high streets. They need to be encouraged to do their shopping in local supermarkets. There should be a mix of employment on our high streets, then both residents and workers will shop on the high street.

We have already called for a review of business rates to reduce burdens on small firms, and now in the run up to Christmas, this is going to be an important festive season and could be make-or-break for some of our small businesses and have a significant impact on Medway's economy. That's why we must pull out all the stops to help businesses survive and thrive to the end of 2023 and beyond."

ENDS

Additional Information and Notes for Editors:

https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/about-us

Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business 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 U.K. go out and support all types of small businesses, online, in offices and in stores. Many small businesses take part in the day by hosting events and offering discounts.

Small Business Saturday has grown into a significant event – with a record £1.1 billion spent with small businesses during last year’s event. Small Business Saturday is the perfect opportunity to engage with local businesses, raise awareness of the issues they face and encourage residents to shop local.