MP backs 'Small Business Saturday'

Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert gave his backing to ‘Small Business Saturday’ this weekend (2 December) when he visited retailers during the ‘Arundel by Candlelight’ event.

The MP called into the Sparks Yard General Store in Arundel where he met met owners Holly and Andy Heggadon who have run the store located in a Victorian Grade 2 listed warehouse since 2003.

Sparks Yard is a family-run independent retailer which has grown with demand for their variety of gifts and homewares.  When they started trading they occupied the first floor of the warehouse.  Now they occupy three levels which includes a popular café and restaurant, ‘The Loft’.

Saturday marked the fifth UK ‘Small Business Saturday’, an initiative that began in the USA in 2010 to help boost the smaller retailers.  The UK campaign aims to support, promote and inspire small businesses by bringing focus to the importance of shopping locally.

Nick Herbert said: "I wanted to show my support for our village and market town high streets on Small Business Saturday.  I think this is a great initiative to promote the small enterprises which are the lifeblood of our rural economy.

“People come to events like Arundel by Candlelight because of our diverse independent shops and the unique character which they give to our high streets.  We need to do everything we can to back these businesses which provide so much employment for local people.”

ENDS

Notes

   1.     Photograph – Andy and Holly Heggadon with Nick Herbert at Sparks Yard.

   2.     Further information about Sparks Yard can be found at www.sparksyard.com.

   3.     Further information about Small Business Saturday can be found at http://www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com and twitter @SmallBizSatUK.