Shoppers are being encouraged to support small and independent businesses this Small Business Saturday, with free parking on offer in council-operated car parks in Basingstoke town centre.

The UK wide event, which takes place on Saturday 7 December, aims to recognise small businesses and encourage consumers to shop local and support small businesses in their communities to give them a boost in the run up to Christmas.

With many independent businesses in the town centre and towns and villages across the borough, there is plenty of choice to find the perfect gift for loved ones this Christmas.

Shoppers visiting Basingstoke on Small Business Saturday will benefit from free parking at council-operated car parks in the town centre from 8am on Saturday 7 December to 8am on Sunday 8 December.

Free reusable Love Basingstoke tote bags will also be available for shoppers at participating businesses. Those who have already signed up include Basingstoke Wellness, The Gaming Den, Gabardine Bar and The Secret Garden in the Top of the Town and The Wonderland Gift Boutique, Parlour Tearoom, Turtle Tarrot and Absolute Roses at Viables Craft Centre.

For those who would prefer to support businesses in the borough from the comfort of their own home, The Borough Basket is a handy online listings directory that allows people to search for local independent businesses. Find out more at www.theboroughbasket.co.uk

Leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Cllr Paul Harvey said: “Our town centre and other high streets across the borough are a vital part of our communities and we want to do everything we can to support businesses to thrive.

“Small Business Saturday provides a great opportunity for residents to reconnect with their local areas and our amazing town centre and discover the range of exciting and creative businesses we have in our borough. And we can all play our part by continuing to shop locally throughout the year, not just at Christmas.

“We are pleased that we can offer free parking in the town centre throughout the day for shoppers to help boost footfall in the run up to Christmas. I hope residents will come out and support our fantastic businesses.”

To find out more about free parking in council-operated town centre car parks on Small Business Saturday, visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/festive-parking-2024  

For more information on how you can support small independent businesses across the borough, follow the Love Basingstoke social media channels. 

November 2024