West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin urged local people to start their Christmas shopping in a small independent shop as part of a drive to support small business. This weekend (Saturday, December 3) sees the return of Small Business Saturday – a national Government-backed initiative aimed at promoting the important role small companies have in the UK economy. Over half of the private sector workforce is employed by small businesses and Harriett offered her support to the campaign and urged Worcestershire people to support their local traders. Harriett said: “Successful small businesses are the beating heart of our vibrant local economy and I encourage as many people as possible to look closer to home when looking for bargains or finding a professional service. “Following the massive hype of Black Friday, I encourage people to take a moment to look closer to home and visit shops across the county to find quality goods at great prices. “Each year I make a point of shopping in the smaller retailers in Upton-upon-Severn, Malvern, Tenbury and Pershore and I will be doing the same this year. Small Business Saturday is an important way of recognising and thanking the smaller enterprises who are so vital to our economic success throughout the year.”