1. It’s Small Business Saturday. Here are six reasons to back our city’s fantastic independent traders today (and every day!).
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   1. MONEY SPENT HERE STAYS HERE
   Local retailers return a far greater proportion of their revenue to the local economy. Locals keep well over 50% of revenue in the neighbourhood compared to around 10% for national chain retailers.2. JOBS
   Local businesses directly provide a livelihood for hundreds of people – the vast majority of whom live in our local community themselves.

   3. FRIENDLY
   Shopping locally reduces fuel consumption and pollution. Local stores sustain vibrant, walkable communities – so fewer cars.

   4.  CHARACTER AND PROSPERITY
   Local people value the unique ‘feel’ of our community. By preserving one-of-a-kind businesses, the result is a higher quality of life for all.

   5. USE US OR LOSE US!
   Our small businesses face fierce competition from large multiple retailers. If we want them to survive, we have to use them!

   6. BETTER VARIETY, QUALITY AND SERVICE
   Many local traders are one-of-a-kind businesses that give our community its own distinct character. Local businesses are staffed by local residents—your friends and neighbours. You get better service from people you know and who know you.

Pics of visits to Nourish*, Flock*, Libby Ferris Flowers*, Ocean Bites, Grounded and Hurn Chemist with Town Close Labour City Councillor Chris Smith and County Council candidate Lisa Alston.

* Photos by Beth Moseley

#SmallBizSatUK