Nominate your favourite high street heroes for Small Business Saturday!

Newcastle City Council are urging shoppers to nominate their favourite independent retailer as part of the celebrations for Small Business Saturday, this 5 December. The council are asking people to name their local high street heroes, as part of a joint campaign with the Federation of Small Business, to raise awareness in the importance of shopping local. Cabinet Member for Investment and Development, Councillor Ged Bell, said: "This is the third Small Business Saturday to be held in the UK and we're fully backing the initiative again this year in Newcastle. "We're proud to support Small Business Saturday, as it gives everyone an opportunity to celebrate the valuable contribution that small businesses make to our city; not just to our economy but to our local communities. "It is vital that we all continue to champion local businesses in our city and encourage others to shop small." Regional Chairman of the Federation of Small Business, Ted Salmon, said: "Spending with small business means more money stays in the local economy, supporting thriving high streets and creating jobs. "Newcastle has a vibrant small business community and we're encouraging the public to celebrate this through the local high street heroes campaign." Small Business Saturday is the first Saturday in December - the busiest shopping day on the year -  when people are encouraged to shop local and use small independent traders.  Last year saw 16.5m shoppers show their support nationally. Shoppers are asked to nominate their favourite local high street heroes through the Newcastle City Council Facebook page or email [email protected] by 8 November.