Events will be held across the borough tomorrow – Saturday - to encourage people to shop local for the festivities.

The initiative is part of the national 'Small Business Saturday' drive to help independent firms recover from the devastation of pandemic lockdowns and shift to online shopping.

Earlier this week, a team from the Small Business Saturday Tour together with the Council's Business and Growth Lead Member, Cllr Richard Baker, and the Leader of the Council, Cllr Gareth Roberts, visited some of the independent businesses operating in Twickenham including Corto, The Limpopo Biltong, Eel Pie Records, Ricardos, The Bloomery, Sandy's Fishmongers, P Coopers and Son, Star Printers, Emporium and Memories.

The national tour hosts virtual workshops, webinars and mentoring sessions on a range of topics to support and engage local small businesses as well as showcasing a fleet of eco vehicles that suit small businesses needs and encourage sustainable switches to electric vans, cars and scooters, as well as a 'delivery style' push bike.

Cllr Baker said: "As a Council we are committed to continuing to support small businesses. I would encourage resident to shop local this festive period and support their local high streets."

A spokesman added: "We have seen amazing community spirit during the COVID-19 pandemic and many local businesses were at the heart of this.

"Spending money locally, and spending time getting to know your local businesses will ensure we maintain the strong communities and remain resilient as a borough during the on-going uncertainties.

"The Council is celebrating the amazing contribution of the people who run these businesses by encouraging you to 'Shop Local' and explore the diverse and unique offering of products and services available on their doorsteps.

"By shopping locally you can: breathe new life into our local economy; maintain a strong jobs market for local communities; enjoy a personalised, tailored shopping experience; support entrepreneurs offering originality to retail and hospitality; keep local produce alive; limit you carbon footprint by avoiding travel."

Residents are reminded to shop safely by ensuring they wear face coverings in retail spaces following the reintroduction of mandatory face coverings in shops and on public transport.