Local MP Alan Mak has visited Viking Prints in Leigh Park ahead of Small Business Saturday and urged people to support independent traders.
He met owner Sean Logan 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’.
Viking Prints is a garment printing company that specialises in work uniforms. Sean also produces flyers, business cards and advertising signs.
He opened a new, larger shop in the Greywell Shopping Centre last year after receiving a grant of £30,000 to repurpose the unit.
He said: "I started the business in my front room just before lockdown during Covid. I progressed to a unit for a year before expanding into a shop. Then I got the grant and was able to move to one double the size.
"The business is growing. There is more walk-in trade now and I have regular customers who come to me every year to kit out the whole team."
Mr Mak said: "I really enjoyed seeing Sean and finding out about his business. Independent traders like Viking Prints are the lifeblood of our shopping centres and 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, not just on Small Business Saturday but all year round."
