Time to support our local businesses

Last week's weather was a hammer blow to small businesses across the constituency, with appointments cancelled, shops closing and pubs and restaurants having to throw away food and close their doors. Now that the weather is hopefully improving, it is more important than ever to go out and support our local pubs, restaurants and businesses- they are the backbone of our community. I am a big supporter of local businesses and last year I introduced my Small Business Awards to celebrate the best of our small businesses. Remember- buy local, shop local.