Councillors Pledge to Shop Local this Christmas

Date Released - 04/12/2024

TAMESIDE’S councillors have made a public pledge to do their shopping in the borough this Christmas.

At a meeting of full council – at Dukinfield Town Hall on Tuesday 3 December – all elected members signed a pledge board stating “I pledge to shop local in Tameside this Christmas”.

Their public promise comes only days before Small Business Saturday (7 December) which highlights small and medium-sized companies that provide a personalised alternative to the mass-produced offerings of anonymous national retailers.

These businesses offer great customer service and product knowledge, and may stock products that are unique in their town.

Small businesses are generally owned by local people and many of their employees will come from the surrounding area, meaning even more money stays in the local economy.

Additionally, the Build-a-Business team from Tameside Libraries, supported by Ashton Market, will be hosting a pop-up market in Fletcher Square, Ashton, (10am to 3pm) to enable some new small businesses to sell their produce and showcase their services.

Clllr Stephen Homer, Tameside Council’s executive member for towns and communities, said: “Shopping local at one of the many small shops and businesses in Tameside isn’t just public-spirited, it’s plain common sense.

“You get great service, great products, and for every £1 spent at a small business, at least 50p circulates back into the local economy which is a very welcome boost.

“That’s why Tameside Council is backing Small Business Saturday – which also marks the start of our free Christmas parking scheme – and it’s why my fellow councillors and I are proud to sign the pledge to shop local in Tameside this Christmas.”