Council supporting Small Business Saturday
Test Valley Borough Council is promoting Small Business Saturday, 2 December, because small businesses are a vital part of our community.
Small Business Saturday 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.
“Sole traders represent three out of every four businesses and 99% employ fewer than ten people: they represent a crucial part of the local economy.” said Economic Development and Tourism Portfolio Holder, Councillor David Drew.
The Council is working with local Members of Parliament Kit Malthouse MP for North West Hampshire and Caroline Nokes MP for Romsey and Southampton North to promote Small Business Saturday. Each will be meeting small businesses, in Andover and Romsey respectively to discuss how we can offer better support.
Councillor Drew went on to say; “The Council supports local businesses in many ways; from grants to expert advice; flexible business premises, to help with skills training. Of special interest at the moment is the £2m EU capital grant for rural businesses called LEADER. All these details are on the Council website www.testvalley.gov.uk/business but if you have a particular business concern please get in touch with us directly on 01264 368000.”
He concluded; "I am passionate about helping new and small businesses in Test Valley and welcome the opportunity, working with our two MPs, to shine a light on small businesses on the 2nd December. As a Council we are proud to support them, as the lifeblood of a prosperous local economy, every day of the year.”
The Council's approach was recognised by the Federation of Small Businesses in September this year as the most business friendly council in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
HM Revenue and Customs is also offering help to self-employed workers with a series of free webinars (web seminars), covering tax, record keeping, self-assessment business expenses.