Local MP Alan Mak has visited 1st Quay Fish & Chips on London Road in Widley ahead of Small Business Saturday and urged people to support independent traders.
He called in to see owner Greg Leighton to show his support and back the annual campaign that encourages people to use small businesses in their communities all year round.
Small Business Saturday takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on shopping habits. The theme this year is ‘celebrating the nation’s favourite businesses’.
1st Quay Fish & Chips is a family-run business that uses only the best ingredients, from sustainably-sourced fish to top-grade potatoes.
Greg and wife Georgie, who have been in business for 11 years, have now also taken over Whistlers Fish & Chips in Westbourne.
Georgie said: "Before 1st Quay, Greg was a chef at Cowdray and I was an estate agent. We took the leap into the fish & chip world because Greg wanted his own venture, and my family has a long history in the industry.
"My grandparents even owned our little shop in Purbrook many years ago, before passing it on to my dad and uncle, who later sold it on.
"Years later, life came full circle and we purchased 1st Quay ourselves. Since then, we’ve grown a lovely, loyal customer community who have supported us through thick and thin."
Mr Mak said: "I really enjoyed visiting 1st Quay and finding out about Georgie and Greg's business.
"Independent traders like 1st Quay are the lifeblood of our local economy, which is why it's so disappointing that the Labour Government's tax and spend Autumn Budget will make life more difficult for small businesses.
"I encourage residents across the Havant Constituency to support them by shopping local, not just on Small Business Saturday but all year round."
