Louise Haigh MP for Sheffield Heeley is encouraging local communities to support their local businesses this festive season.

Saturday 3^rd December is Small Business Saturday where the achievements of small and medium sized businesses are celebrated. Louise is backing the campaign, which is celebrating its 10^th anniversary this year and has been speaking to businesses across her constituency to ask why they think people should support them this year.

Last week (25 November) Louise attended the Google Digital Garage skills event who offer free digital skills training to adults across the country. Louise met with more than 40 businesses from Sheffield who were all there to develop their digital skills and improve the way they run their businesses and work on attracting new customers.

Louise has also been meeting with locally owned businesses in her own constituency, including Mandala in Meersbrook. Mandala is a recently opened coffee shop on Chesterfield Road, she spoke to the owner Adam about what they offer that is different to other chain coffee shops and why it’s important that people support his businesses.

Adam, said:

“I have created a warm and welcoming environment in my coffee shop and because we’re a family-owned business, I know everyone who comes in. I want people, this winter to know that they have a warm, safe space they can visit, where they will always be greeted with a smile and a hot drink.

“I’ve made it part of my business plan to ensure I support the local community in events that are taking place and I’m hoping that they will do the same. So far, I’ve had a great response.”

Louise Haigh MP for Sheffield Heeley, said:

“Small businesses are at the sharp end of the economic crisis and many of them have struggled through the pandemic and are now struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

“I know that this festive season will be difficult for many people, but I would urge anyone, if you are making purchases, then please use one of our fantastic small, local businesses in the constituency.

“We’re very lucky in Sheffield Heeley to have a huge range of businesses, so I hope that you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for right on your doorstep.”