LOCAL were out in force supporting last weekend’s Small Business Saturday (SBS).

Taking place for the second time this year, the SBS campaign was designed to highlight small business success and to encourage consumers to shop local and support small businesses in their communities.

According to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) many councils and MPs offered their support in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. through free car parking in their town centres for the day.

MPs went out in their constituencies to shop at, and support, small businesses. Councils, including Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, worked with traders to create a real buzz.

Neil Eames, development manager, Federation of Small Businesses in Hampshire, said: “We were obviously eager to support Small Business Saturday to highlight just how important small businesses are to our communities.

“Keeping trade local is one of our key messages, and this day provided a great way to encourage customers that using our local high street retailers will clearly benefit the local economy.”

Basingstoke MP Maria Miller was keen to show her support for the Top of The Town while North East Hampshire MP James Arbuthnot visited businesses in Hook and Fleet.

Mrs Miller said: “Small business is the life blood of our town providing jobs to thousands of people locally. It was good to speak to local business owners on Saturday who work so hard to make Basingstoke one of the top ten centres of employment in the South East.

“I visited Trilby’s barber shop and salon, Aspiral, All Our Own Craft and Black Swan Training, and heard about the challenges businesses still face, but also that confidence is starting to return after the recession.”

Mr Arbuthnot, said: “I have long been a firm supporter of small and local businesses and am pleased that so many flourish in North East Hampshire.

“They are absolutely vital for the local economy. The two that I visited on Saturday, Spirals Hair Salon, in Hook, and Bulldog Technology, in Fleet, are great examples.

“Full of enthusiasm, hardworking people dedicated to developing their business and serving local people. I am proud to have them in my constituency.”