Ahead of Small Business Saturday (December, 7) CLA Cymru is urging people to support rural businesses in the run up to Christmas by buying locally and celebrating the great quality and character of Welsh goods.

Director, Rebecca Williams says:

“Bringing a part of Wales to loved-ones when you select gifts, decorations or seasonal festive food and drink- adds an extra special dimension to the festivities. Our Christmas spending can make a huge difference to our vibrant rural economy. There’s a terrific choice of locally-made Welsh goods out-there to suit every pocket! Many Welsh producers are award-winners!”

“Many people will already be regular visitors to local shops, farm-shops and farmers’ markets. These businesses provide vital jobs, goods and services for local communities, attract tourism and provide a real boost to our economy.”

Small Business Saturday, a campaign that highlights small business success and encourages consumers to shop local, takes place on Saturday December 7.

Rebecca Williams adds:

Small Business Saturday provides an important impetus for consumers to support small businesses in their communities, not just in the run up to Christmas, but throughout the year.”

The festive rallying-call by the CLA comes following the launch of its Rural Powerhouse campaign last month that aims to unleash the potential of the rural economy.

“The rural economy has immense potential for economic growth and job creation, but we need the right policies to unleash it,” says Rebecca. “We’ll be working hard to ensure the next Westminster Government, when it is in place, fully understands the vital role that rural businesses play in supporting the UK economy.”