SMALL and independent businesses make a vital contribution to Islwyn.

They provide jobs, add character to our towns and villages and keep our communities alive.

Each week people across Islwyn are starting and building their own companies. They make a very real and important contribution to our economy.

When anyone mentions an entrepreneur we tend to think of a Richard Branson or an Alan Sugar. Both of them had to start somewhere; Branson with a mail order record business and Sugar selling aerials from the back of a van. With a bit of hard work they both became major employers.

So who knows? Today’s small business could be tomorrow’s household name. Having visited so many companies over the years, the size of the firm does not matter, the people who run them come from all walks of life and backgrounds.

Just take Carys Clargo from Oakdale, she has taken her passion for our four- legged friends to develop a business which provides dog grooming and pet sitting. I was delighted to go along to formally open her business and wish her the very best of luck with her new venture - Pop’s Pals.

With this in mind, December 6 is the second annual Small Business Saturday.

It provides an opportunity to show our appreciation for the people who run small companies. I am proud to support entrepreneurs in Islwyn and I am urging everyone to join in.

Last year Small Business Saturday was the largest celebration of small companies this country has ever seen.

By doing things like simply buying bread from the local baker or meat from the butcher, almost £500 million more was spent than in any other weekend in the year.

The day helped many local small businesses make connections, champion their vital role in local communities and create a buzz about entrepreneurship. I am calling on everyone to help make this year’s day even bigger!

I will be working with small and independent businesses in Islwyn to support special events to celebrate their contribution to the local economy. It is easy to get involved: just pop into a local business and sample some of their products. In Islwyn we have a growing small business sector so let’s get out and support them on December 6.

If any local small business owners are interested in promoting their company as part of the celebrations then please visit smallbusinesssaturdayuk.

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