A NATIONWIDE campaign championing small independent businesses will hold its annual awareness day this Saturday, December 3.

Small Business Saturday will make its presence felt in Barry and is in-keeping with the ongoing Barry & District News launched in September this year.

‘Your High Street: Use It Or Lose It’ aims to raise awareness of independent businesses, putting a spotlight on the produce, services and characters that bring the town to life.

Small Business Saturday is a grass-roots, non-political, non-commercial campaign that encourages people to support small businesses in their communities, both on the Saturday itself and beyond.

To support the initiative, Barry Town Council has created a poster which it distributed to traders before the Christmas lights were switched on last week.

Vale Council cabinet member for regeneration and education, Cllr Lis Burnett, said the Vale council was committed to supporting the county’s independent retailers throughout the year.

Cllr Burnett said: “We regularly engage with high street retailers’ groups and traders in town centres to encourage effective partnership. We also organise events alongside town and community councils.”

She said it was hoped Ice Central would attract large numbers of visitors, further benefiting surrounding businesses.

She added: “Local traders have been invited to attend the event on Small Business Saturday this weekend to promote local independent retailers.”

Vale MP Alun Cairns urged readers to shop local on the day.

Mr Cairns said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to grab some unique Christmas presents, and should be taken up with the same enthusiasm as Black Friday. I will be doing all I can to encourage visits to Barry’s small shops on December 3, reminding everyone how important small business is to our town’s economy and character.

“Many small businesses in the Vale are currently under threat as a result of the re-valuation of business rates and I am doing all I can to press the Welsh Government to institute a more generous rate relief scheme.”

Vale AM Jane Hutt said she had been contacting high street businesses ahead of the event to offer her support, answer queries and take up issues on their behalf.

She said: As a champion of my local high streets, living and shopping in Barry, I know how important it is to back our local traders – the contribution small businesses make to our community cannot be underestimated. They support us throughout the year and provide a service that is often unique and unrivalled.

“I am urging everyone to shop local and support our small businesses. I always do my Christmas shopping on the great, Barry High Street.

Vale-based South Wales Central AM, Andrew RT Davies said Barry was “blessed” with a number of small independent businesses.

Mr Davies said: “They all add to the character of the area and greatly enhance the range of services available, not to mention the economic benefits they bring in terms of employing local people and generating revenue.

“Small Business Saturday takes place on the busiest shopping day of the year. I can think of no better time to support small businesses. As we all gear up towards Christmas – buying presents for friends and families – join me in shopping local and supporting small businesses in Barry on December 3.”