Mayor backs push to shop local this Christmas

A campaign encouraging shoppers across Tees Valley to support independent retailers is gathering momentum as the busy Christmas period approaches.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen has visited high streets in Saltburn and Yarm to meet local business owners and highlight the importance of small firms to the region’s economy. 

The Shop Local campaign aims to shine a spotlight on independent retailers that rely heavily on Christmas and New Year trading to sustain their businesses.

Fiona Carter, owner of The Candy Bank, in Saltburn, said: “Local support means everything to us.

“When people choose to shop local, it keeps the high street alive and lets independent businesses like ours keep doing what we love.”

Paddy Morton, general manager of Strickland and Holt, in Yarm, added: “There’s something special about being part of a local high street. 

“When people choose to shop with independents, it strengthens that sense of community and keeps our town centres vibrant and unique in character.”

Nicola McIntosh, owner of Ziggy’s Luxury Gifts and Hampers, in Nunthorpe, added: “When people open independent stores they’re at the heart of the community, they give something back and provide a service.

“It’s an old phrase but it is often a case of “use it or lose it”. 

“Not all people find it easy, or want, to go to a big shopping centre.

“We are always striving to get better and all the people we employ are local people. It’s right to say the money you spend locally does go back into your community.”

Fiona Carter, owner of The Candy Bank, on Milton Street, Saltburn, with Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen

The renewed call to back local shops came ahead of Small Business Saturday UK on Saturday (December 6), a national celebration recognising the contribution of the country’s 5.5 million small businesses.

Mayor Houchen added: “Small businesses are the absolute lifeblood of the economy and, for many businesses, the lead-up to Christmas will be the most important time of year. 

“It’s these people that get up every morning, put their money at risk, take on all the stress and put in all the effort of opening their own businesses and employing people in the towns where we live. 

“People talk about big investment, but it’s small businesses who support millions and millions of jobs up and down this country.

“They deserve our support throughout the year, of course. 

“But this Christmas, let’s make a special effort to support the people who give our towns and villages their unique character, and who make our region such a special place to live.”

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