After a November that has flown by, we are now heading into
December and towards the Christmas season, with everything that that entails.
For my column for this week I wanted to focus on my recent experiences of some
of our excellent local businesses and some of the initiatives that are there to
promote and support them.
Last week was Family Business Week, a week-long celebration
of family businesses as a force for good. These firms are the backbone of our
economy and the bedrock of our communities.
However they are often overlooked, and the scale of their impact on our
lives is underestimated. Family Business
Week is a campaign designed to ensure these firms get the recognition they
deserve, and to celebrate their amazing work.
After a busy time in Parliament last week I visited the
Ryder family, who run several businesses including Summercourt Travel, Travel
Cornwall and Merlin Vehicle Rental from Summercourt.
It was great to see a truly intergenerational team working
together in a strong family business, just one of so many who operate across
our constituency.
Over the weekend it was good to duck out some of the
terrible weather and visit the Charlestown Christmas Market, which was held at
Penrice School in St Austell. Although I am sure many people were swamped with
‘Black Friday’ ads from big businesses, it was brilliant to see so many
exceptional small local businesses represented at the Christmas Market, with
thousands of people visiting over the two days it was on. This sort of event was
sadly missed during the COVID-19 pandemic and it is great to see them returning
now across the constituency as we have got back to normal.
My visit to the market over the weekend, got me thinking
towards Small Business Saturday, which takes place on this coming Saturday, 3
December.
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.
To encourage footfall in our towns and villages on Small Business Saturday,
Cornwall Council is making all of its pays and display carparks free for the
day.
We are truly lucky in Cornwall to have such an amazing array
of small local businesses. As we approach Small Business Saturday, and the
Christmas period, please do all you can to support them, so we can keep and
grow this essential sector of our economy now and in the future.
If I can be of assistance on any matter, my office is
available for any constituents needing help, advice or guidance – tel. 01726
829379, email – office@stevedouble.org.uk
