Christmas shoppers in Alnwick hailed after supporting Small Business Saturday
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The Berwick MP, who was keen to do her Christmas shopping at small, local shops, praised the incredible resilience of small businesses in Northumberland, and the extra efforts they have gone to in order to keep their staff and customers safe during these unprecedented times.
She said: “It has been incredibly heartening to see so many others joining me in supporting our small businesses, and choosing to shop local for Christmas gifts and other goods.
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Hide Ad"So many local businesses have also been involved in community volunteering throughout the pandemic, and they deserve our support more than ever this year.
“Yet again, I was so impressed by the Covid-secure measures shops have put in place to ensure we can all stay safe as we do our shopping.
"I was so pleased to see shopkeepers taking this so seriously, which will be reassuring for customers.”
Small Business Saturday, on December 5, came at the end of a hugely challenging period for small businesses, with many facing long periods of closure and reduced income due to the pandemic.
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Hide AdThroughout the course of pandemic, the Government has provided more than £280 billion to support lives and livelihoods.
This includes the furlough scheme, which has now been extended until the end of March and continues to support 2,100 jobs in the Berwick constituency.
Grants for the self-employed have also benefited 6,100 people in the constituency.
The Northumberland Gazette has also been campaigning for people to #supportlocal