Derek Thomas, Parliamentary Candidate for the St Ives constituency, has teamed up with The St. Ives Chamber of Trade and Commerce to launch an exciting new award designed to promote small businesses in St. Ives.
Derek Thomas said “There are nearly five million small businesses in the UK; they are the lifeblood of the economy, employing millions of people. Small businesses alone account for 47 per cent of private sector employment and 33.1 per cent of turnover.
The Conservative Party recognises the huge importance of small businesses to the UK economy – that’s why we’re cutting up to £2,000 off National Insurance for every business through the Employment Allowance
The St. Ives Small Business of The Year will be officially launched on Small Business Saturday, December 7th, one of the busiest shopping days of the year and the aim of the event is to encourage people to shop locally and support small businesses in their communities.
Customers will be asked to vote for their favourite small businesses (they can vote for more than one) using the voting cards available in each participating business or by voting on www.derekthomas.org/smallbusiness. Voting closes 28th February 2014.
Derek added:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for people here in St Ives to shop locally and support our local butchers, bakers, cafés and retailers. It is a chance to celebrate the amazing contribution our small shops make to our local community.”
The launch will take place at Ocean One – a new independent store opening in St. Ives – at 11am on Saturday 7th December. Derek will be accompanied by The Mayor of St. Ives, Councillor Colin Nichols and Andrew Mounsey, the Chairman of The St. Ives Chamber of Trade and Commerce. Ocean One is at 2, Tregenna Place, St. Ives.
Please let us know if you plan to send anyone.
ENDS
For further information please contact Tom Wass on 07831 647177 or The St. Ives Conservative Association on 01736 362077
Unit 2, 13-14 Market Place, Penzance TR18 2JB.