A RESPECTED and award winning Worcester jeweller visited Downing Street this week to promote today's Small Business Saturday initiative.

Anja Potze, who owns an independent jewellery shop in Friar Street, was one of the small business owners who travelled from across the country to Downing Street earlier this week.

Small Business Saturday is the nationwide campaign to support, inspire and promote the 5.7 million small businesses nationally.

This year independent shops, restaurants. and other traders have exclusive deals to encourage shoppers to choose them over the larger chains.

Last year more than £717 million was spent on the day in small independent businesses.

Michelle Ovens, director of Small Business Saturday, said: “Small Business Saturday shines a spotlight on our local businesses to show how vitally important they are to individual communities and the UK as a whole.

"We are encouraging everyone to support the small businesses near them by shopping local, and also giving them their backing into 2018 and beyond.”

Stephen Barclay MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said: “It was great to welcome so many business owners to Number 10 to show our appreciation for the crucial contribution they make to Britain.

"We hope the country will join us in championing the UK’s small businesses."

In Worcester Small Business Saturday is being supported by Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) and Worcester City Council.

Worcester.

Ahead of the event mayor, Councillor Steve Mackay toured independents in The Tything.

Cllr Mackay said: "Every one of these small businesses is completely dedicated and attentive to customer care.

"They know delivering a great service helps them spread the word about the fabulous offers they have."