Businesses in Tonbridge High Street have received a visit from politicians in support of Small Business Saturday.

Small Business Saturday is a campaign day which aims to highlight business success and encourages consumers to shop local and support their community.

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council leader, Nicholas Heslop, and the borough's MP, Tom Tugendhat, spent a morning talking to traders, listening to their concerns and explaining support services available for small businesses in the area.

The borough council has organised a programme of support for independent retailers called a 'Retail Health Check', which comprises a mystery shopping exercise followed by a two-hour workshop and one-to-one support from a business advisor.

It is free and open to businesses in Tonbridge and West Malling. Retailers can sign up by e-mailing economic.regeneration@tmbc.gov.uk.

“It was good to meet traders and hear their thoughts on retail and business prospects for the town" - Nicholas Heslop

Nicolas Heslop also announced the council will be making Saturday, January 9 a free parking day to encourage residents and visitors to come to the town for New Year sales.

Mr Heslop added: “It was good to meet traders and hear their thoughts on retail and business prospects for the town and I would like to thank the local representatives of the Federation of Small Businesses for making all the arrangements for this visit.

“The borough council recognises there has been reduced footfall in Tonbridge Town Centre as a result of the regeneration works, and, to show our continuing support for local traders we are committed to keeping our car parks free during Sundays and Public Holidays over the festive period."

Richard Collins, from Medicare and Tonbridge Old Fire Station said: “As a local businessman with Medicare and Tonbridge Old Fire Station, I am proud and excited at the potential the town offers. I am delighted to be a party of Small Business Saturday, especially with Sankey’s fishmongers here this weekend.”

Mr Tugendhat added: “Small business Saturday demonstrates the very best that our towns have to offer. Tonbridge and West Malling are thriving due to the success of independent retailers – whether it be butchers, flower shops or restaurants.

"The continued success of our High Streets is down to the drive of these retailers and I look forward to continuing to support small business in the future.”