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Campaign highlights ‘vital’ importance of small firms

 

Small Business Fortnight (December 2-15) has been organised by the Invest Milton Keynes team at Milton Keynes Council and will feature a series of events highlighting the important role smaller firms play in the local economy.
 
The council’s economic development team has developed the idea from the national Small Business Saturday initiative, designed to promote small companies across the UK.
 
The initiative has cross-party political support.
 
Cllr David Hopkins pictured, cabinet member responsible for economic development and enterprise, said: “Small businesses are a vital part of the economic chain, providing growth, jobs, and a sense of local ownership.
 
"Statistics show that more and more people are choosing to ‘shop local’, be it with their local butcher or ironmongers, for example.”
 
The events planned include a ‘treasure hunt’ to be held in small businesses, a chance for customers to vote for their favourite local business and a Business Support exhibition for start-ups and small businesses.
 
Labour Cllr Rob Middleton said: "Small businesses are so important as they regularly sit at the heart of our communities, in our local business estates and local high streets. As we all know, they have the potential to offer that much sought after personal service and tailored advice, which is hard to find elsewhere. 
 
“Small businesses provide a very many local jobs, and as they go from strength to strength, and become the next big businesses, have the potential to bring more jobs and prosperity to the local community."
 
Lib Dem Cllr Isobel McCall, who chairs the council’s economy, growth and regeneration select committee, runs her own small businesses and is a supporter of the Women and Work organisation, based in Central Milton Keynes and which helps women into work and advises them on setting up their own businesses. 
 
“There is no doubt that small firms are the cornerstone of a successful local economy, which Milton Keynes is renowned for,” she said.
 
Invest Milton Keynes e-mail investmiltonkeynes@milton-keynes.gov.uk or telephone 01908 200 800

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