ALONG with local businesses Penarth politicians Stephen Doughty and Vaughan Gethin will be welcoming the Small Business Saturday Bus to Cardiff this week ahead of Small Business Saturday on December 6.

The bus - which is currently on a nationwide tour - will be stopping off at the National Assembly for Wales between 10am and 11am on Friday, November 28 before heading off to meet Cardiff-based businesses.

The aim of Small Business Saturday – a grass-roots campaign endorsed by small business groups, local councils and other organisations – is to encourage people to shop locally and support small and independent businesses.

MP for Cardiff South and Penarth Stephen Doughty said: “Last year, Small Business Saturday proved to be a real success.

"It put small and independent businesses in the spotlight and encouraged people to shop locally, not only on one of the busiest shopping days of the year, but also to encourage a long-term commitment.

“It was great to hear that, according to data from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, the Cardiff South and Penarth constituency is the best performing in Wales in terms of average annual business turnover.

“However I believe we need to do more to support small businesses, and that’s why I’m backing Small Business Saturday. I’m really looking forward to kicking off the run-up to the day by welcoming the bus to Cardiff with local businesses.

“Alongside the Labour Party business team I have recently been pushing for action on additional support for small businesses, for example in improving access to finance and fighting for the creation of a Pubs Code and Adjudicator, during the passage of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill.”

Assembly Member Vaughan Gethin added: “Both small and medium sized businesses are integral contributors to the Welsh economy, 99 per cent of businesses in Wales are small and medium-sized enterprises and are overwhelmingly the face of business in Wales.

“Small businesses strengthen the economy and tackle unemployment, and it has been the Welsh Labour Government’s priority to ensure the nurturing of favourable business conditions, encourage business start-ups and develop existing enterprises to grow and create jobs.

“I encourage people to shop locally and independently to help these important drivers of our economy and I am very happy to support them on Small Business Saturday and onwards.”

Business owners, employees and residents can catch up with Stephen and Vaughan who will be with the bus at the National Assembly where you can offer your views on the challenges facing small businesses, and have an opportunity for one-to-one discussions.

For more on the Small Business Saturday campaign visit www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com