South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth is once again backing the Small Business Saturday campaign to support local independents across the South of Scotland.

Small Business Saturday – which returns on 4 December – celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and to support businesses in their communities. This year it is calling on the nation to share a ‘big thank you’ with small firms to recognise their vital role throughout the pandemic.

The local MSP is joining the campaign’s nationwide effort with a number of visits to small businesses across the region.

He is also backing the campaign’s call for the public and communities to show their thanks for the vital role that small businesses played throughout the pandemic.

Colin Smyth said: “As we approach the festive period, it’s so important that people consider supporting their local small businesses.

“During the pandemic, many of our fantastic small businesses went above and beyond to help keep their communities going and now it’s time to repay that support.

“The many lockdowns and restrictions have had a terrible impact on our small businesses and high streets and the best way we can reverse some of these ill effects is to shop local and shop with small businesses.”

Now in its ninth year in the UK, Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign with an impact that lasts all year round.

On Small Business Saturday, customers across Scotland go out and support all types of small businesses – everything from local independent shops and restaurants, to smaller service providers like accountants, personal trainers and dog groomers. Many small businesses take part in the day by hosting events, offering discounts and collaborating with other local businesses.

Last year the campaign achieved record-breaking success and saw an estimated £1.1 billion spent with small businesses across the UK on the day, according to estimates from the campaign’s principal supporter in the UK American Express.

Michelle Ovens, CBE, director of Small Business Saturday, said: “Our campaign mission to support and celebrate small businesses has never been more important, as small firms face considerable challenges to get back on their feet, but will be absolutely vital to the UK’s recovery.

“The pandemic brought home just how central small businesses are to our communities, so we’re encouraging everyone to get behind them on Small Business Saturday and use it as a way to send a big thank you!”