Small Business Saturday

Small and independent businesses in Chatham and Aylesford make a vital contribution to our community, add to the character of the town and are a source of local jobs.

That’s why a team of Medway Labour councillors and PPCs got behind our local shops and firms as part of this year’s Small Business Saturday.

The idea of ‘Small Business Saturday’ comes from the USA. Last year, we helped bring the idea to the UK and a movement was born. Small Business Saturday is a grass-roots campaign that encourages people to shop locally and support small and independent businesses in the local community.

Last year was the first time it took place. It was the largest celebration of small business the country had seen. Nearly half of consumers who knew about the day made purchases because of it and almost £500m of extra trade went to small firms. It also helped local small business link together, championed their vital role in local communities and created a buzz about entrepreneurship and people starting out.

That’s why we celebrated Small Business Saturday on Saturday 6 December and shopped at local small firms. The Labour Group leader met businesses in Chatham, Strood, Rochester, Luton, Gillingham and Rainham.