MP Alan Mak urges people to shop local

He called in to show his support and back the annual campaign that encourages people to use small businesses in their communities all year round.

Small Business Saturday takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on shopping habits. The theme this year is 'celebrating the nation’s favourite businesses'.

Mr Mak called in to Le Petit Pain in Emsworth to see owner Russ Bond. Le Petit Pain has been a part of the local lunchtime landscape for around 30 years and was originally a bakery before becoming a sandwich bar.

Russ said: "We make all our food to order, fresh every day. We pride ourselves on offering a personal service - we'll make it just how you like."

He is running a special pre-Christmas offer - simply quote 'Alan Mak 10' when ordering and you'll get 10% off your baguette or sandwich.

Mr Mak also visited Isaac Family Butchers on Hayling Island. Owner Lee Isaac took over the former Alan Rae Butchers in Mengham last year and offers a range of high quality meat plus a deli.

Lee said: "All the Christmas orders are coming in at the moment and it's our busiest time of the year. It's a lot of hours, but the hard work pays off."

Mr Mak then went to see Viking Prints owner Sean Logan in Leigh Park's Greywell Shopping Centre. Viking Prints is a garment printing company that specialises in work uniforms, but also produces flyers, business cards and advertising signs.

Sean said: "I started the business in my front room just before lockdown during Covid. I progressed to a unit for a year before expanding into a shop. Then I got the grant and was able to move to one double the size.

"The business is growing. There is more walk-in trade now and I have regular customers who come to me every year to kit out the whole team."

Then Mr Mak called in to see owner Greg Leighton at 1st Quay Fish & Chips on London Road in Widley. This family-run business uses only the best ingredients, from sustainably-sourced fish to top-grade potatoes.

Greg and wife Georgie, who have been in business for 11 years, have now also taken over Whistlers Fish & Chips in Westbourne.

Georgie said: "Before 1st Quay, Greg was a chef at Cowdray and I was an estate agent. We took the leap into the fish & chip world because Greg wanted his own venture, and my family has a long history in the industry.

"We’ve grown a lovely, loyal customer community who have supported us through thick and thin."

Finally, Mr Mak went to Zoom Barbers in Leigh Park to talk to owner Mike Joines.

Mike began Zoom in 2002 with his wife Tracey, who has a hairdressers and beauty salon next door. Daughter Sasha is also part of this well-established family business.

Mike said: "I'm approaching 50 years in this business and I've seen the same haircut fashions go round several times. It's hard work these days. There are so many more barbers now."

Mr Mak said: "I really enjoyed visiting and finding out more about all these great local businesses.

"Independent traders are the lifeblood of our local economy, which is why it's so disappointing that the Labour Government's tax and spend Autumn Budget will make life more difficult for small businesses.

"I encourage residents across the Havant Constituency to support them by shopping local, not just on Small Business Saturday but all year round."