West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has this week urged shoppers to head to the high street to show support to independent traders. The MP visited Pershore high street and popped into Persora to start her Christmas shopping. Harriett made the trip to show her support for independent retailers and traders and to promote Small Business Saturday, which will take place on December 1. Each year, Harriett take the time to shop on local high streets and pick up some Christmas presents, while helping to promote the national initiative. Harriett commented: “Small Business Saturday is an important annual event which encourages people to spend a little time and money supporting our smaller independent retailers. “Our economy is underpinned by successful small businesses and our high streets in Malvern, Upton-upon-Severn, Tenbury and Pershore rely on businesses to trade there and local people to pop in and shop. “There was some good news in the budget for small high street retailers with the reduction in business rates by a third for two years, saving most smaller shops up to £8,000 each year and a £675 million fund to help local councils to transform their high streets. “I first visited Persora when it opened nearly four years ago and it was heartening to hear that the business is thriving and even looking to expand. “I hope that many people take the time to join me on Saturday, December 1 and show support for the real heroes of our economy and shop local for Christmas.” Photo: Harriett Baldwin MP does some Christmas shopping to promote Small Business Saturday with Persora’s Aimee Hyde.