Local MP Alan Mak has urged people to shop local as Small Business Saturday shines a spotlight on the nation's independent traders.
He visited a variety of small businesses in the Havant Constituency to show his support for them and back the annual campaign.
The Small Business Saturday initiative highlights success stories and encourages shoppers to use small businesses in their communities all year round.
The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on shopping habits.
Mr Mak met up with Sam Wilson, co-owner of Stoke Fruit Farm on Hayling Island. This fourth generation family-run business farms 350 acres, growing potatoes, sweetcorn, peas, pumpkins and squashes for the farm shop on the main road into Hayling, plus other outlets.
The farm also produces wheat and hay and has 3,500 free range chickens providing 100 trays of freshly-laid eggs each morning.
Then there is the popular sunflower field, where families can visit during summer to pick their own sunflowers.
Sam said: "Our business is very seasonal. It is hard work but things are going well. We farm across the north of Hayling and sell our produce in the farm shop. We also work with local bakers and butchers and other farmers, selling their produce too."
He added: "If you shop here, you're buying fresh produce straight from the farm."
Mr Mak also called in at Alan Rae Butchers in Mengham, Hayling to chat with new owner Lee Isaac. The traditional independent butchers is renowned for quality and customer service. As well as cuts of meat, its range includes pies, cooked meats and hand-made sausages.
Lee took over from previous owner Paul Denman, working his way up from washing up at the age of 14 to mastering the art of butchery and then running the business.
He explained: "I learned on the job and have never looked back. Things are going pretty well."
Lee added: "We are in competition with the supermarkets, but we have our local customers who support us. They know the staff and they know where the meat comes from."
Lee is a big believer in being part of the local community and Alan Rae Butchers sponsors the Hayling United FC Under-7s team.
At Forget Me Nots Florist in Havant, Mr Mak spoke with manager Lesley Charlton.
The business, owned by Sue Hewett, can create modern and traditional bouquets and arrangements for every occasion, from weddings and funerals to birthdays and anniversaries.
Flowers arrive regularly from Holland and Forget Me Nots offers local delivery and Interflora for orders that need to go farther afield.
Lesley said: "We are quite busy. We have our regulars and we have some passing trade. But I would say that people should always try to support their local businesses, otherwise there won't be any left on the high street."
Sue also owns Scarlett's event and party hire in Havant, which hires out a variety of props for birthdays, weddings, baby showers and other big celebrations.
They include flower walls, giant letters, table decorations and artificial cherry blossom trees.
Manager Kirsty Stretton said: "By supporting local businesses, you're helping local people to support themselves."
Mr Mak also called in to M R Starr Butchers and Fishmongers in Emsworth. This family-run business offers high quality meat and fresh fish to residents and has also diversified to supply local restaurants.
As people's lives get busier and they have less time to cook, freshly-prepared ready meals are a big growth area, with the shop now producing 300 a week.
Mick Starr bought the business in 1988 and today it is led by his sons Paul and Neil.
Paul said: "My dad was born in an air raid shelter in 1944 and has lived in Emsworth all his life. He is very well-known in the town.
"Since we took over it has gone from strength to strength. People do believe in shopping locally in Emsworth and we take the time to get to know our customers. They like to come in for a chat - it's what pubs used to be like back in the day.
"We like to think we provide a good service and that's why people keep coming back."
He added: "During Covid people who would have gone to big supermarkets came here instead. It was incredibly busy - people were queueing down the street and we've retained a lot of those customers."
Mr Mak said: “Small independent businesses are the backbone of our high streets and local economy and we have some great examples in our area. That’s why I am encouraging residents across the Havant Constituency to support them by shopping local on Small Business Saturday and all year round.”
