Aphra Brandreth, the Member of Parliament for Chester South and Eddisbury, has marked Small Business Saturday by presenting awards to local small businesses to recognise the contribution they make to the community.
Now in its 12th year, Small Business Saturday runs in the first week of December and encourages shoppers to support their local businesses in the run up to Christmas.
The MP launched her own 'Small Business Awards' to mark the occasion, calling on constituents to nominate their favourite small businesses. Ms Brandreth then visited the small businesses nominated by the community on Small Business Saturday, awarding each one with a certificate as a small token of appreciation for their hard work.
The MP visited a number of small businesses across Chester South & Eddisbury at the weekend, from the family-owned Bebbington Butchers in Westminster Park and Exqueeze Me, the organic local green grocers in Handbridge, to Gifts by Carolyn in Tarvin and Tarporley Post office as they prepare for the busy festive period.
One of the recipients of the MP Small Business Awards was the Bhurthorpe Inn in Wrenbury. The family-owned traditional pub, run by the Goodwin family, were delighted to receive an award.
Commenting after, the family said:
We are so honoured to have been nominated for our local MP, Aphra Brandreth, and her small business awards!
"Thank you very much to all those who nominated us, and Aphra for coming out to see us! We are honoured to have this to our name, and it means so much, being a small family-run business!
It can be hard work at times, but we are so grateful to receive this in recognition. We must be doing something right!"
Tilly's coffee shop in Bunbury also received a coveted Small Business Award. Under new management this year, the hardworking team were surprised to have a visit from their local MP.
The team at Tilly's said:
"Thank you for our award it does a lot for the team and us as new owners being recognised so early into our business, enhancing the work the previous owners have done.
The support and feedback on the changes we have made from the local and extended community has been amazing. Even today like you, they braved the extreme weather to support us."
Aphra Brandreth MP said:
"It's so important to support our local businesses, not just on Small Business Saturday, but all year round.
I launched my Small Business Awards as a small token of my appreciation for the amazing work they do to contribute to our local economy - they truly are the backbone of our community.
I really enjoyed meeting all of the winners, as well as the brilliant teams behind each business. They work so hard and they are valued by local people. Huge congratulations to all of them and best of luck during the busiest time of the year!"
