Ged Killen MP joined James Kelly MSP to promote Small Business Saturday across Rutherglen and Cambuslang.

The Labour pair visited the Black Poppy Café on Stonelaw Road, Elfy Trees in Cambuslang and Bark Inn Beauties on Hamilton Road.

Ged Killen MP said:

‘Small Business Saturday is a brilliant opportunity to highlight some of the local firms at the heart of our community in Rutherglen and Cambuslang.

‘There seems to be a different story in the news every week about large corporations squeezing their workers’ conditions or pushing their small suppliers to the brink, but smaller firms are often more trusted and rooted in their local community.

‘Visiting some of our fantastic small businesses and speaking to the staff you can see that they’re not only successful, but their values are at the core of their work.

‘The Black Poppy is always keen to engage positively with the local community and help good causes and, this year, Elfy Trees have already raised over £1500 for Elsie Howe, a local girl with a rare genetic condition.

‘Speaking to owners and the staff of businesses like these always reminds me of how businesses can contribute to our community as well as our economy.

James Kelly MSP said:

“Across Rutherglen, Cambuslang and Blantyre, we are spoiled with a great range of small businesses offering a huge number of local products and services.

“During the festive period we should be doing all we can to support them and I’d encourage local people to try and support our high streets and not just stick to supermarkets and chains.”

Mr Killen continued:

‘Shopping local helps to build lasting relationships between retailers and consumers when I book Molly, my Westie, in for some pampering at Bark Inn Beauties, I know I can trust that she will be well kooks after and come out looking great.