Borderers are being urged to get involved in a nationwide campaign to boost local retailers ahead of Small Business Saturday on 1st December 2018.
Local MP John Lamont gave his backing to the initiative, now in its 6th year by visiting local retailers in Tweedbank and Jedburgh.
Last year, more than £740 million was spent in independent businesses on Small Business Saturday across the UK.
John paid a visit to Motorcycle repair shop REBZ Ltd in Tweedbank and Jedburgh florist Stems, two businesses gearing up to Small Business Saturday. Dozens of businesses in the Scottish Borders have already registered with the scheme and receive free advertising and marketing as part of Small Business Saturday.
Speaking ahead of the day, John Lamont is urging more Borders businesses to sign up and for local people to do their bit to support high streets in the Borders.
Speaking after the visit, John Lamont MP said: “Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity to show your support for traders in your local community.
“I’d encourage small businesses to get involved with the day like Stems and REBZ have. You receive a free marketing pack while allows you to get involved with this increasingly successful initiative.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities and are vital to our economy, employing over 12.5 million people across the UK.
“We are incredibly lucky to have some fantastic independent retailers in the Borders, but the only way to keep them is to resist the urge to shop online and pay them a visit.
“We can all do our bit on 1st December by doing some Christmas shopping locally.”