It's always a pleasure to support and promote the excellent local businesses we have here in Swindon as part of my Local Business Support Campaign, and as last Saturday was Small Business Saturday, I wanted to highlight their vital contribution to our local economy.
Now in its 10th year, Small Business Saturday UK is a non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support small businesses in their communities.
The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses, which is why as your local MP, Small Business Saturday is an important event in my diary every year.
On Small Business Saturday, customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, online, in offices, and in stores. My office on Wood Street in Old Town is surrounded by brilliant small businesses, offering food, retail, and a whole range of different services. This is a vibrant part of our local community, and therefore it was a huge pleasure for me to once again, support Small Business Saturday, right here in my home in Swindon.
This week, as part of my Local Business Support Campaign, I am looking forward to visiting the new Hearing and Mobility Store in Wroughton. This local business has carried out some impressive work at the Forge and offers a full range of modern mobility products and services, in the local area and further afield. You can find out more on their website here: https://thehearingandmobilitystore.co.uk/
If you run a local business here in South Swindon and you would like to be part of my Local Business Support Campaign, please get in touch with me by emailing [email protected] I am always very pleased to support our local businesses in any way that I can.
It was lovely to be back at Oliver Tomkins School in Toothill last Friday. I was very pleased to see Rhian, the Headteacher, and the dedicated staff, and to, in turn, visit each of the year groups, from Year Two, right up to Year Six. To receive letters from pupils, and to answer their questions about a whole variety of subjects, local and national. It was a huge pleasure to be back at this wonderful school that provides a great education for local youngsters.
Swindon Borough Council has recently received grant funding from the Government to help households here in the town with rising living costs. This funding covers the period to 31st March 2023. Funds are currently automatically being allocated to families and will provide vouchers for food during school holidays. The council will also be using this funding to work with local charities across the town that provide advice and support to households. Further information about this fund can be found by visiting https://www.swindon.gov.uk/info/20013/benefits_and_swindon_money_matters/1231/household_support_fund
Finally, my Local Charity of the Week is Swindon Welcomes Ukraine, a team of local volunteers who have come together to support the community of Ukrainians and their hosts across the town.
This excellent local group has created an information hub, assists with transport by providing bicycles, signposts learning opportunities and social events, raises funds, and supports settling and integration into the wider community, working together and complimenting other organisations providing support for refugees in Swindon.
Swindon Welcomes Ukraine are hosting a ‘Night of Classics at Christ Church in Old Town on 10th December. This will be a great evening of entertainment with musicians from Ukraine, England, and France coming together to raise money for Ukraine. If you would like to attend this event, or find out more about Swindon Welcomes Ukraine, please visit https://www.ukraineswindon.com/concert Slava Ukraini!
