Shoppers turned out in full force last Saturday to show their support for the abundance of small independent shops and services in Waveney’s market towns.
Businesses across Beccles, Bungay, Halesowrth, Southwold, Lowestoft and Kirkley took part in Small Business Saturday by offering exclusive in-store discounts and promotional activities.
As part of the event, Waveney Business Forum hosted a competition for the best dressed window, with judging taking place throughout last week.
The winning window was at The Marmalade Tree in Beccles and Lisa Stitchew, operations manager for the businesses, was presented with the first place trophy by Waveney MP Peter Aldous and Kevin Vail, chairman of Waveney Business Forum.
Lauren Heaney, assistant at The Marmalade Tree said: “It was a really lovely thing to received and we were really proud. We all work really hard on our window displays and we have never won before.”
Mr Aldous also visited Bungay and presented Jackie Bell, owner of Bells of Suffolk, and her team with the runner-up prize. And Gulls & Buoys in Southwold, Salvina’s Traditional English Sweet Shop in Lowestoft, Gage Estate Agents in Kirkley and Just Nice Things in Halesworth all received highly commended awards for their window displays.
To show further support for Small Business Saturday, Mr Aldous visited Beccles Farmers’ Market with Waveney District Council leader Colin Law and Suffolk County Council leader Mark Bee, to meet small business owners and sample some of the local goods on offer.
Mr Law said: “It is heartening to see so many people supporting small local businesses, such as those at Beccles Farmer’s Market. Small independent shops and services are the mainstay of our local economy and the whole community needs to support these businesses wherever possible, to help them grow and thrive.
“Campaigns such as Small Business Saturday are an excellent opportunity to shine a spotlight on small businesses and reiterate the importance of customer support.”
Small Business Saturday is a national initiative designed to encourage residents to shop locally and was supported locally by Waveney District Council and Waveney Business Forum.
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