Thank you to those who shopped at local businesses on Small Business Saturday. Research showed that £1.1 billion was spent at small businesses this Small Business Saturday - a growth of 38% on last year and strong evidence that the nation is stepping up to help these businesses get back on their feet.
I celebrated #SmallBizSat across #Sutton on Saturday starting with Nishant, the owner of Mulgrave Road Pharmacy who has been a rock for the community in #Cheam which he serves. Then it was into Sutton with Shaun Bailey to see Yummy's Sandwich Bar and Warrenders who are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, here's to many more years of business for them.
Then it was onto Regent Street in the #WestEnd with the Leader of Westminster City Council, Cllr Rachael Robathan and the Lord Mayor of Westminster. There was clearly a lot of buzz around which will bring relief for those businesses returning into a safe environment.
Finally I went back into #NorthCheam where opposite the big names of Sainsbury's and next to McDonalds sits a newish business that already is embedded into the local community. Pete's Yard is a really fun place to visit on the end of a parade where a number of independent shops and restaurants are located, showing how high streets are an ecosystem where the business community works best when it works together. #shoplocal
