THE importance of small businesses to his constituency was highlighted by Richmond MP Rishi Sunak.
On Small Business Saturday (SBS) Mr Sunak visited a successful, growing small business in Northallerton High Street.
Olivia’s Artisan Café and Bakery is one of four cafes established in North Yorkshire in the last three years. The cafés specialise in serving locally-produced and sourced food, including bread from their own bakery.
Mr Sunak said: “Small businesses like Olivia’s are a vital part of British society. We have a record 5.4 million small businesses in the UK, providing jobs for about half of the private sector workforce.
“The success of our economy is built on the hard work and determination of the people who run and work for them. They deserve our respect and support all year round, so I hope people will support them.
“Olivia's is a great example of an expanding small business which is basing its growth on working with other local enterprises.”
Small Business Saturday, which is supported by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, has been held annually for three years. It highlights small business success stories and encourages people to shop locally.
Now in its third year, SBS is the UK's most successful small business campaign. Last year, 16.5 million people shopped in a small independent business, spending more than £500 million on the day.