A BURY MP has praised the role of the borough's independent traders as part of Small Business Saturday.

The event has seen people across Bury encouraged to shop locally and support their local high street.

The annual event celebrates small, independent businesses, which have been helped with over £407bn of economic support throughout the pandemic, including over £100bn in business loans.

Small business rates relief has gone out to more than 700,000 eligible businesses, along with a £7bn tax cut.

Bury North MP James Daly, said: “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, our high streets and an integral part of our recovery from the pandemic.

“That is why Small Businesses Saturday is the perfect opportunity to praise all our small business owners here and come together to support them in the lead up to Christmas.

“As the party of business, this Conservative Government is committed to providing the tools, skills and support that business owners need to make a full economic recovery and build back better from the pandemic.”

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng added: “We all know the impact that Covid-19 has had on our small businesses, and we have all been humbled by the resilience, resolve and determination they have shown in innovating and adapting to the challenges of the pandemic."