Saturday (2 December) marked the 10th anniversary of Small Business Saturday UK, a day where people are encouraged to support local small independent businesses. 

To mark the day Matt Western, MP for Warwick and Leamington, voiced his support for small businesses across Warwick, Leamington, Whitnash and surrounding villages, referencing the "fantastic small businesses we are lucky to have here in our towns and villages".

"I've lived here in our towns for 20 years now and have seen the huge benefit these independent businesses bring to our local economy and how they make our communities so special," teh Labour MP said.

"It's hugely important to me to support them in every way I can, all year round, whether that is through assisting them with casework, any issues they raise or just spending money with them. 

"We have a wealth of wonderful small businesses locally and I'd really encourage people, if they're able to, to support them this festive season and beyond." 

Mr Western on a visit to Heathcote (image supplied)

Last month, Labour announced plans to support small businesses ahead of marking the campaign day earlier this month.

Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds MP, said the party would legislate to tackle late payments, which it is estimated would unlock £20 billion in unpaid invoices. 

Commitments have also been made to scrap business rates and replace it with a system that is "fairer for bricks and mortar businesses" and revitalise high streets up and down the country through tackling anti-social behaviour and powers to take over empty shops.