REDDITCH MP Karen Lumley recently visited several up-and-coming businesses in the town as part of Small Business Saturday.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) encouraged customers to give local businesses a boost by supporting their high streets and town centres on December 7, the UK's first Small Business Saturday and busiest shopping weekend of the year.

This event was celebrated across the UK and has cross party support, urging the public to use their local centres, buying the products and services that the wealth of independent businesses offer.

Federation of Small Businesses Chairman John Allan said: “The Federation of Small Businesses is delighted that Karen Lumley MP backed the very first Small Business Saturday.

"The campaign is an excellent moment to celebrate the contribution that the smallest firms make to local communities and the national economy.”

And Mrs Lumley added: "It was great to visit some of the many small business we have in the area on Saturday. It was extremely encouraging to learn of their individual success and the different journeys they have been on in order to survive and thrive. I think it is important to celebrate the fantastic range of independent small businesses we have and to encouraged people to 'shop local' to ensure their sustainability."

One of her visits was to Rachel's Cupcakes, in the Kingfisher Centre, which is proving very popular with Redditch residents.