Residents are being urged to support small independent stores this weekend – and take advantage of special discounts.

This weekend is Independents' Day UK Weekend, which is a UK-wide campaign that supports and promotes independent retail businesses.

Independents retailers account for close to 65% of the approximately 290,000 retail outlets in the UK and are at the heart of local communities.

Richmond Council is supporting the campaign and encouraging residents to support and celebrate their local independent businesses, which often provide a unique and personalised service to their customers.

Richmond Card holders can benefit from additional discounts offered by independent retailers in the borough.

Anyone aged 17 or over can apply for a Richmond Card, which is an all-in-one card that entitles holders to ongoing local businesses discounts, parking discounts, library membership and much more.

This could include a saving of 20% on a restaurant meal, discounts on beauty treatments, reductions on books, river trips, bootcamp sessions and many more.

More details and information on how to apply can be found on the Richmond Card web page - https://www.richmond.gov.uk/services/richmondcard/offers

As part of the Council's celebration of local businesses, from next week residents can pick up a free copy of the recently launched Richmond local shop directory from libraries and leisure centres.

The directory features hundreds of independent businesses on the borough's high streets, that residents and visitors can enjoy all year round. The shop local directory is also available to view online. https://www.visitrichmond.co.uk/dbimgs/Richmond%20Shop%20Local%20brochure%202022.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Richmond Council is continuing to provide ongoing support to local businesses and has recently launched the Phoenix Enterprise Programme 2.0, which is a business support programme designed to help local entrepreneurs start or grow their business.

The Council has also partnered with Digital Boost to offer businesses owners free 1-to-1 digital mentoring, workshops, courses and content to provide effective support to your business when and where you need it.

Find out more about Digital Boost. https://www.digitalboost.org.uk/partner-org/richmond