James is encouraging shoppers to help small businesses bounce back by shopping local in the run-up to Christmas and beyond.
The Member of Parliament for Rochford and Southend East made the plea ahead of the annual Small Business Saturday this weekend.
Now in its eighth year, Small Business Saturday has grown significantly, with an estimated £800m spent in small businesses across the UK on the same day in 2019.
James, Member of Parliament for Rochford and Southend East said:
“This year has been extremely challenging for local firms and they need our support more than ever before. With Christmas fast approaching, shopping around Southend and Rochford will really give businesses a much needed boost. I know many have gone to great lengths to install safety measures and by giving them a visit, you will be helping our local economy to bounce back and protect local jobs too.”
If you need helping finding a small business near you, Small Business Saturday has created a "Small Business Finder" search tool here.
