Clive Lewis MP, Shadow Business Secretary, commenting ahead of Small Business Saturday, said:

“Small businesses are the life blood of our economy. They provide six out of ten jobs, add life and diversity to local high streets, and give an important boost to local economies - for every £1 spent with an SME, 63p is re-spent in the local area, compared to just 40p for a chain or larger business.

“Coming in the run up to Christmas, Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity for people up and down the country to show their appreciation to small businesses. Christmas wouldn’t be the same without the vitality that small businesses bring to our areas, but we also need to recognise the contribution small businesses make all year round. I urge everyone to make an extra effort to visit their local small businesses this Saturday.”