TODAY is Small Business Saturday; a day to encourage residents to shop local and to support businesses in the community.
The UK campaign falls on the first Saturday of December and is a day to appreciate the independent businesses within the community and to encourage locals to support small entrepreneurs.
To show our appreciation towards small businesses within our community, here are seven independent businesses in Newton-le-Willows.
1. Jasmine’s
This shop is located on Newton High Street and is one of many independent businesses on the street.
The family-run business sells celebratory products and sweet treats, as well as gifts and goods.
Formerly named Humbugs, the store was taken over by the Agger family in February this year, as Carla, Brian, and their daughter Jasmine, did a complete makeover to the shop.
The shop also supports other local businesses on the high street as they provide balloons for a variety of occassions.
2. Mamma J’s
This is another family-run business on the high street which offers locals a relaxing space to drink coffee and eat homemade lunches and cakes.
Amanda Jackson and her daughters joined the high street in June last year, and have since become one of the go-to cafes in Newton.
The café is two floors, with a tranquil seating area downstairs.
3. Funky Bunch
This hidden gem is located on Market Street in Earlestown and is one of the businesses based in the town centre that’s undergoing a regeneration.
Pamela Lewis, owner of the florist, caters for any occasion, with her Mother’s Day selection a hit this year.
The florist also accommodates for every season, including wreaths for the festive period.
4. Scott’s Deli
This feel-good deli on Bridge Street in Earlestown caters for other businesses and events.
The independent business provided the buffet for one of the first meetings for the town centre’s regeneration plans and is a consistent contributor to community events, including Earlestown Thrive’s Spooktober Autumn event for Halloween.
The deli also showed its versatility with its involvement in the Burtonwood Beer Festival in October.
5. Scissor Sisters
This independent salon on Wargrave Road is another hidden gem in Newton.
Wendy Hyland’s dream business came a reality 15 years ago and has remained a much-loved salon to her clients in the area.
The salon owner received the opportunity from St Helens Chamber, who helped her set up the business.
Despite being faced with a recession, a pandemic, and an ongoing cost-of-living crisis, this small business is still going strong.
6. Handmade Harrison
This online business is a testament to the work put in to start up a small business.
Kathryn Harrison set up her independent business at home during lockdown last year and it soon took off.
The homemade childrenswear business sells products made to order, with Kathryn using her sewing skills to create comfortable and desired clothing for children.
The online business has since branched out, with the shop launching a website.
7. Earlestown Markets
Rounding us up is the Earlestown Markets. It wouldn't be right to recognise Small Business Saturday without mentioning the weekly markets in Earlestown.
This traditional market has been at the heart of the community for over 700 years, with the Saturday market introduced in 1987.
The weekly event allows independent businesses within the town centre to set up stalls and showcase their products, with some of the family-run businesses having been there for multiple generations.
One of the stallholders present at the market is Bob Isherwood, who's been working for 60 years at his family’s four-generation stall.
His stall sees household essentials, flowers, and other goods for sale.
Another family-run business at the weekly markets is Syd’s Fisheries whose business has been on Market Square for 40 years.
The markets are held every Friday and Saturday.
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