Hounslow celebrated the arrival of the Small Business Saturday campaign bus on Friday (Nov 20) morning.
As part of its tour of the country, from John O'Groats to Land's End, the bus stopped at Bell Square, High Street, Hounslow, ahead of the biggest day for independent businesses next month.
Small shop owners and traders put on a display, delivered workshops and gave people advice on starting up or boosting their own business.
As the festive season gets underway, Hounslow Council is urging residents to think of small businesses when it comes to doing their shopping in the run up to Christmas.
Small Business Saturday will return on Saturday December 5, deemed to be the busiest shopping day of the year with just over two weeks to Christmas Day.
Last year the profile of local businesses in Hounslow went up as residents and visitors were encouraged to visit independent shops and spend time on the High Street for their festive gifts.
It is hoped SBS will create a more long-term boost for local small businesses and communities.
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Councillor Steve Curran, leader of Hounslow Council said: “Local businesses form the heart of the community in our High Streets.
“They’re crucial to a thriving local economy and bring character to town centres. Hounslow Council fully backs Small Business Saturday. "We want to make it a better experience for residents and visitors to shop locally and also do what we can for our local businesses so that they can flourish.
“Go out and celebrate and support your local shops and businesses on Small Business Saturday in the run up to Christmas.”
For more information on Small Business Saturday click here
