CONSUMERS are being encouraged to shop local this weekend in a bid to highlight the borough's small businesses.

The annual campaign, which follows a visit from the Small Business Saturday bus to Colchester earlier this month, aims to make shoppers more aware of the independent traders on their doorstep.

The event is being supported by Essex County Council, which has waived charges on Colchester Park and Ride throughout the day.

Kevin Bentley, county councillor responsible for infrastructure, said: “We hope visitors will take the opportunity of Small Business Saturday to enjoy everything that Colchester has to offer.

"We are delighted to support our independent businesses by waiving the fee for the Park and Ride and providing another reason to choose Colchester this Small Business Saturday."

Colchester mayor Peter Chillingworth added: "Small Business Saturday is a great way to celebrate and support all the small businesses that make our town such a welcoming and vibrant place to visit.

"As mayor, I hope the campaign encourages many more people to shop locally and proves hugely successful for the many independent retailers taking part."

Tim Young, Colchester councillor responsible for business and culture, said: "With retailers nationwide facing unprecedented pressures from online shopping, fast-changing customer tastes and tighter household budgets, it is more important than ever that we continue to support our smaller independent traders whose success is key to the attractiveness and prosperity of our town centre, not just on Small Business Saturday but all year round."

Now in its sixth year, Small Business Saturday is the UK's most successful small business campaign, which last year saw an estimated £748 million spent.

Jeremy Hagon, who has campaigned for Small Business Saturday in Colchester, said: “The tour bus visit was a testament to the huge numbers of small businesses and entrepreneurs working throughout Colchester, providing services and employment opportunities to our local communities."

Any businesses which are not already involved should visit https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com.