Shop locally: Christmas shop window display at Cherubs on the Marina

AN ANNUAL celebration of small business success takes place this weekend (Dec 3) in Milford Haven and shoppers are being set a fun challenge to shop locally.

The special one-day event, called Small Business Saturday, is part of a national campaign to remind shoppers to put local companies high up on their list of places to visit, and this year it coincides with Milford Haven Town Council’s visit of Santa to Milford Haven and the switching on of the Christmas lights at Milford Haven Town Hall.

Milford Haven Business Circle, with support from Milford Haven Regeneration Team, the Port of Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Town Council, has organised a range of activities aimed at encouraging people to shop locally.  A ‘Christmas Shopping Challenge’ is also taking place where shoppers will be given a card that they can get stamped at each participating shop where they make a purchase on the day. Completed cards with stamps from 10 different businesses will be entered into a draw to win an Xbox One, and the winner will be announced by the Mayor on Saturday night at the Town Hall just before the Christmas Lights are switched on.

“It’s a fun day out first and foremost,” explained Neil Jenkins, Destination Director at the Port of Milford Haven. “However there is an important message in the event too. We have some great local businesses here, both in the Marina and throughout the town. Sometimes we just need to remind ourselves by taking a walk around and popping into shops to take a look. Christmas is the perfect time to take that opportunity.”

Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, national movement that promotes the quality and expertise of local businesses that often fill a niche that the bigger firms cannot. Popular baby and children’s clothing and accessories shop ‘Cherubs’ in Milford Marina is a great example. Owner Clare Watts has seen sales double in the last 3 years.

She said: “As a mum of four, I found it difficult to find clothing locally that was traditional and unique. So once my youngest daughter started school, my husband and I decided to start our own business on Milford Marina. It’s been really successful.”

Earlier this year, Brett Sheppard opened a health and fitness company ‘B-Fit’ in Cedar Court, close to Tesco supermarket in Milford Haven. He believes that a smaller, local business can offer something different to the major national health clubs and says his customers agree.

Brett said: “Business is booming and I think it’s because we offer a personal service. We are already a go-to place for locals and have smashed our targets in the first year. What’s even more exciting is that B-Fit is growing just as the plans to expand the Milford Waterfront as a retail and leisure destination are picking up pace. The timing is just right.”

A small Milford Market will also be taking place in Charles Street on the day between 10am and 4pm. As well as a selection of stalls, there will be entertainment throughout the day before the town’s Christmas lights are switched on at 6pm.