Sunday 4th July is recognised as a national day to celebrate independent shops and businesses here in the Borders and across the UK.
Independents’ Day UK in partnership with Local Rewards is a campaign that exists to support and promote independent retail businesses across the UK all year round.
This year has been challenging for independent shops and businesses in the Borders due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, businesses across Scotland have benefitted from the UK Government furlough scheme and the Self Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).
In Scotland, 900,000 jobs have been protected by the UK Government through the furlough scheme, and £294 million has been provided to businesses through the SEISS.
Thanks to the UK Government, funding will continue during 2021-22 in order to support our national recovery.
John Lamont MP said:
“I am glad to be able to celebrate all of our local independent businesses here in the Borders.
“I recognise that this has been an especially tough year for independent shops and businesses due to the impact of the pandemic. That is why I am pleased that the UK Government has protected vast numbers of jobs through the furlough scheme and the Self Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).
“Independent traders are a cornerstone of our thriving local communities here in the Borders, and I encourage everyone to support them when they can.”
