December 5 is Small Business Saturday 2020 and South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth is encouraging local people across South Scotland to support their hard working local businesses.

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.

Colin Smyth said: “We have so many amazing small shops, businesses and producers that we are really spoiled for choice across our area.

“December 5 is Small Business Saturday and as our minds turn to Christmas, the best thing we can do is try and support our fantastic businesses by shopping local.

“Our shops and producers have been hit very hard since the Covid-19 pandemic began. During the height of lockdown, many of them went above and beyond to ensure that people had everything they needed, so buying local this festive season could make a huge difference.

“Shopping locally helps at any time of the year but this year it is more important than ever. I’d also like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all our small businesses, producers and shops for working so hard for their customers during this difficult year.”