On Saturday the 2nd December Mims Davies, MP for Eastleigh, supported the 5th year of Small Business Saturday by visiting businesses in Boyatt Wood, Eastleigh and Fair Oak.
This annual event, held on the first Saturday in December, aims to promote choice for consumers whilst also encouraging them to support local owners and producers.
Commenting Mims said:
"being elected in 2015 I’ve taken the opportunity to meet with a wide range of small businesses at this annual event. The Eastleigh constituency is full of wonderful small independent businesses. Last year I spent the day primarily in the Botley & Bursledon areas, so this year chose to focus in on the Eastleigh and Fair Oak areas”.
“Shopping locally and supporting business in my constituency is so important to me. I always think it’s wonderful what you can find right on your doorstep and nothing compares to that personal touch that you experience. It is also an important creator of local jobs, something that all of us welcome.”
The day started at Matt’s Bakery & Coffee Corner in Boyatt Wood with the opportunity to discuss business trends over breakfast with Matt. Moving on to Nightingale Pets in Eastleigh, Mims spent time discussing local issues with owner Paul as well as taking the opportunity to meet the animals available for sale, including handling snakes and lizards!
This year’s visits also included two florists. The Village Blooms, run by Karen, is an independent florist in Fair Oak Village that caters for all those important moments in life. Staff at The Flower Shop in Eastleigh were busy updating their window displays for Christmas and also offer a comprehensive range of floristry services.
Having just opened the week before, Mims met with David as the co-owner of The Steam Town Brew Co. This brand new pub, using local produce and highlighting local heritage, is situated by Eastleigh train station and celebrates Eastleigh’s railway town history. Whilst brewing their own beer onsite they are also on hand to give small tours and offer insight into the brewing process.
Commenting further Mims said:
“This year I continued to visit wonderful businesses and had the chance to meet with very talented individuals who are so passionate about what they do. I was able to learn so much about each owner’s dedication to their business.”
The Pink Room Hair & Beauty Salon, based in Fair Oak, is run and owned by Verity Evans who was nominated for Business Mother of the year at the 2017 Venus awards. This sleek salon offers everything from traditional hair and beauty treatments to pamper party packages, as well as light treatments for teenagers.
Concluding, Mims said:
“I always look forward to this day in December and it is never too late to start planning ahead. If you have a small business or would like to recommend one for a visit next year please do not hesitate to contact my constituency office on 01489 786688. Similarly, if your business is due to celebrate an anniversary, then again please do get in touch, and I will be only too happy to visit.”