A ROMSEY business will feature in a national campaign, which aims to highlight the success of smaller companies while encouraging customers to shop locally.

Marking 100 days building up to Small Business Saturday on December 5, the Small Biz 100 provides a major profile boost to small businesses across the UK.

Now, South Central Makers will be given its time to shine on Thursday, November 26 as part of the campaign.

The founders Kate Hayward and Kerri Brock plan to celebrate with all their makers at the Romsey Makers Market on Sunday, November 22.

South Central Makers, created in April 2019, is made up of a group of crafters, artists and makers who produce handmade goods.

Their products can be bought online and at their outdoor markets in Romsey, Stockbridge and Kimbridge.

Kerri said: “There will undoubtedly be plenty of cake and brownies and we’ll celebrate with something sparkly too.”

A joint statement from Kate and Kerri read: “Being part of Small Biz 100 is a huge honour and really puts us on the small business map; it’s going to be an exciting journey working with lots of other small business, creating new relationships and widening our network. "We have be immensely grateful to have come through the last several months, with lots of hard work and tenacity.

"We have found a light at the end of the tunnel and are successfully running events again and growing our online presence.”

Michelle Ovens MBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK, said: “Congratulations to South Central Makers for joining the Small Biz 100. This campaign highlights the amazing, positive impact small firms have on communities across the UK.

"Given the phenomenally tough time small businesses have had, and the special role they played supporting communities in lockdown, it’s vital we continue to support them as this crisis continues.

"This year’s Small Business Saturday is going to be the most important one yet, and we’re determined it will also be the best.”

Among the other firms being recognised are a family run florist in Bristol, a beauty salon in Inverness, and a wine school in Chester.

Now in its eighth year in the UK, Small Business Saturday has grown significantly each year, with a record turnout of 17.6 million people choosing to shop small on the day last year, generating an estimated £800m.