Small businesses take to the streets

Owners of small businesses across Exeter took to the streets in a specially-commissioned open top bus to spread their ‘shop local’ message to Christmas shoppers.

Stagecoach South West’s open top bus drove around the shopping areas on the outskirts of the city collecting owners of small businesses. They were taken to the Exeter Phoenix where they took part in a debate with MP Ben Bradshaw and city councillor Rosie Denham about the issues affecting them in Exeter.

The event was organised by the Exeter branch of the Federation of Small Businesses to mark Small Business Saturday - a national initiative designed to promote, support and inspire independent and local small businesses.

Michael Green, chairman of the Exeter FSB, said: ‘This was a great opportunity to remind people about all the fantastic small businesses we have in the city. We collected business owners from Cowick Street, Fore Street, Magdalen Road and Paris Street and took them to the Exeter Phoenix where they had a chance to put their concerns to Ben Bradshaw and Rosie Denham.

‘We were able to discuss the issues which are of major concern to our members, particularly the areas of traffic congestion, parking and business rates.’

He added: ‘I would like to thank both Stagecoach South West and Radio Exe for supporting this initiative and Ben Bradshaw and Rosie Denham for giving their time.’

Helen Scholes, Marketing Manager of Stagecoach, said they were pleased to be involved with the event. She added: ‘Small businesses are the lifeblood of any high street, adding vital local colour to the business mix. We’re delighted to once again be able to support such a great event.’

The Exeter branch of the Federation of Small Businesses supports small businesses by offering services, benefits and with special member discounts. The group lobbies Government on its members' behalf. For more information email office.devon@fsb.org.uk or call the regional office on 01803 321251.