THE countdown to this year’s Small Business Saturday on December 6 has begun in Poole.

The initiative encourages consumers to “shop local” and support small businesses.

First launched in the UK last year, it was a great success demonstrating the importance of small businesses in communities and the essential role they play in the local community.

“It is vital that we show our support for local businesses and these events are a great opportunity to showcase the wonderful independent retail offering Poole has,” said Cllr Elaine Atkinson, leader of Borough of Poole.

“Days like this highlight the variety of small businesses across our community and I would encourage our residents to show their support and keep some of their Christmas shopping local this year.”

Poole is home to a wide variety of independent retailers and other small enterprises.

Small Business Saturday celebrates and promotes them, encouraging customers to support them not only on one day but all year round.

Mandy Payne of Spotcheckers Retail, who is organising the initiative said: “Borough of Poole is supporting the event with 10,000 leaflets which will be delivered to homes across Poole to encourage residents to shop local on 6 December.

“Businesses will be encouraged to put an offer on for the day and display their offer on posters in business windows and on the Facebook page Small Business Saturday – Poole. We need businesses to join in and let themselves be seen and heard on 6 December 2014.”

The council is also providing its park and ride free to support the day, between Creekmoor and the town centre. It will start on November 29, leaving every 15 minutes from 8am until 6pm.

Details of participating retailers and special promotions can be found on the Small Business Saturday – Poole Facebook page.