Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) celebrated Small Business Saturday by bringing together a group of independent traders who have been given a helping hand by the authority.

Five recipients of the council’s Independent Retailer Grant: Looking Good Hair and Beauty, The Daisy Cake Company and Just a Little Bit Different, all located in Bell Street, and Romsey Eyecare in Love Lane and Sundae’s Child in the Market Place joined the Mayor of Test Valley, Councillor Jan Lovell in the Market Place for a photo call.

Bronya Seifert of The Daisy Cake Company was the tenth recipient of the grant. She opened her shop earlier this year when she moved back to Hampshire after spending several years in London.

Melanie Knight of Looking Good Hair and Beauty, the cake shop’s next door neighbour, was the most recent recipient.

The salon at 7 Bell Street, Romsey, became available earlier in the year and Melanie saw the opportunity to switch her marketing and graphic design background for a new challenge. Together with her husband, she completely refurbished the unit and has been balancing the business with family life since May.

Melanie said: “It was a big decision to open the salon. We wanted to provide jobs to local people and give an excellent service at competitive prices. The Council’s Independent Retailer Grant scheme is fantastic and we are keen to use it towards developing the services we offer.”

Economic portfolio holder, Peter Giddings, said: “I am delighted that the Council has given its support to Small Business Saturday. Small businesses employing less than 50 people account for nearly half of all private sector employment and one third of all turnover. They are the lifeblood of the local economy.”

“If anyone is considering setting up their own business or improving the skills of their staff, now is a great time to do it.”

To be eligible for the Independent Retailer Grant, new or existing independent businesses must occupy a town centre ground floor unit that has been vacant for at least one month. Qualifying businesses include shops, restaurants and cafés.

The £1,000 grants are funded from the New Homes Bonus reserve. For more information visit testvalley.gov.uk, or contact David Gleave, Economic Development Officer, on 01264 368309 or email dgleave@test valley.gov.uk.