Mayor Dave's 'Keep Trade Local' Call on Independents Day

Mayor Dave Hodgson joined Bedfordshire Branch Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Ian Cording on 4th July - 'Independents Day - to promote the range of small businesses which Bedford has to offer and to support the FSB's 'Keep Trade Local' campaign. Mayor Dave and Mr Cording visited a range of Local indpendent businsees in Bedford, namely Sharman Law, Interphase Interiors, Harrison and Simmonds, and Wrighton and Barker.

Commenting after the tour, Ian Cording said: "I really enjoyed visiting some of our town centre members today with Mayor Dave. Small businesses are the heart and soul of a community. Not only are you likely to get a better, more knowledgeable service from a small, local business but money spent will recirculate around the local economy. Our Keep Trade Local campaign has ensured that the value of independent businesses is really highlighted.

"We also want to use this as an opportunity to build on the work with Bedford Borough Council to improve our town centre and make it an even better place for small businesses to thrive. The bus station improvements, together with the heritage work on the High Street and planned Riverside North development, will really transform our town centre."

Mayor Dave Hodgson added: "Keep Trade Local is a great initiative which recognises the pivotal role of local businesses at the heart of communities and within the local economy. It highlights the fact that we have a wealth of small, local businesses offering excellent goods and services that deserve to be supported by the local communities that they serve. They provide vital local employment and are crucial to ensuring that we have a thriving, local economy."