Support local trade, Manvers business meeting told

The Federation of Small Businesses held a meeting in Manvers, when they revealed a new roadside sign asking drivers to shop local.

The banner was welcomed by Yorkshire MEP Linda McAvan, who dropped in at the afternoon event.

She said: “I think it’s important to make people understand small businesses are the backbone of the South Yorkshire economy.

“The decisions I take in European legislation affects these companies so it’s a good chance to meet them and let them know who I am.

“I’ve met some incredible people. There’s some fantastic innovation going on here and we want to use that to create wealth.”

Small businesses owners met at the Holiday in on Manvers Way for coffee and a chance to network.

Gordon Millward, FSB chair for South and East Yorkshire, also attended the icebreaker.

He said: “Shopping local means providing revenue for the area, producing tax for the area and promoting local people.

“Even if the goods are imported, if you buy from local people you provide employment locally.

“Hopefully people driving past this banner will think seriously about using their local shops. It’s a more personal service and they need supporting.

“Rotherham is very unfairly being governed by this CSE problem. It’s a national issue, but Rotherham has had the brunt of it.

“We need to build it up as the marvellous place it is. We need to make it vibrant, which will bring in even more business and support the community.”