Small businesses urged to support Independents' Day

Small businesses are being encouraged to celebrate their contribution to the local economy through the ‘Independents' Day' campaign.

The campaign celebrates the input of independent businesses, fittingly culminating in a day of celebration on 4 July.

Launched by National Skills Academy for Retail and People 1st, the day will be used to encourage the public to make us of their local independent businesses in the tourism and visitor economy sectors.

Last year businesses organises street festivals and promotions to celebrate their contribution and raise awareness.

Skills and enterprise minister Matthew Hancock said: "Independents' day is a great opportunity for people to show their support for small businesses - the lifeblood of our economy. It is part of the government's long-term economic plan to ensure that small businesses have the right environment to grow.

"The Digital High Street programme, launched this year, will help businesses take advantage of increasing opportunities online and the new markets that will open up."

Jane Rexworthy, executive director of strategic partnerships for People 1st, added: "The campaign has gained considerable momentum over the past four years and we are certain that this year's campaign will be the most successful yet.

"We are calling on destinations across the UK to support small businesses in their areas and celebrate the valuable contribution they make to the local economy on 4 July."

Businesses can download supporting material from www.indieday.co.uk