Get prepped for Christmas and shop local with free parking offer

Shoppers can kick-start their Christmas shopping while supporting 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 6 December, aims to recognise small businesses and encourage consumers to shop local and support small traders in their communities to give them a boost in the run up to Christmas.

Basingstoke and Deane’s thriving small business community makes up 97% of the local economy, with over 800 new businesses registered in the borough in 2024.

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. Love Basingstoke has also been showcasing small businesses across the borough on its Facebook and Instagram channels.

As part of the council’s support for traders, shoppers visiting Basingstoke town centre on Small Business Saturday will benefit from free parking at council-operated car parks from 8am on Saturday 6 December to 8am on Sunday 7 December.

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

Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Cllr Andy Konieczko said: “Our small businesses across the borough are at the heart of our communities and we are committed to doing what we can to help them succeed.

“Small Business Saturday provides a great opportunity for residents to reconnect with their local areas and discover the amazing independent businesses we have here in Basingstoke and Deane.

“By choosing to shop locally, we can all help to make sure our town centre thrives and give small businesses the boost they deserve this festive season. We are pleased to provide free parking in the town centre on Small Business Saturday to help people to do this.”

Businesses can get support from the council’s economic development team, including expert advice and funding and networking opportunities. 

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-2025

More information about the support available for local businesses can be found at www.lovebasingstoke.co.uk/work