SHOPPERS are being urged to support their local high street on 'Small Business Saturday' this weekend.

Small Business Saturday, which is backed by the Federation of Small Businesses, is a national, non-commercial campaign which highlights small businesses and encourages consumers to support traders in their communities.

The day itself takes place on the first shopping Saturday in December, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses.

Brand Bedale is backing the initiative and District Council Leader, Councillor Mark Robson, said: “Small independent businesses like these in Bedale are the grassroots of our towns.

“We want to keep our market towns vibrant and attractive places to live and work – and urge everyone to think local in the run up to the festive season.”

Brand Bedale is also the latest business network to benefit from a grant from Hambleton District Council’s Business Network Grant Scheme.

Led by Donna Stothard of Bedale Beauty and Janet Stevens from Redhouse, they are looking to use the funds to raise the profile of the group as well as Bedale and build a strong following through the use of social media platforms.

Janet Stevens, who was responsible for putting the application for funding forward, said “Brand Bedale recognises the importance of having a robust social media presence and digital marketing strategy in place as a means of promoting the town as a great place to visit and showcasing the variety of businesses in and around the town.

“We are aiming to reach a wider audience and put Bedale on the map whilst also encouraging a strong shop local message."