LIKE Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday has crossed the Pond and is coming to a retail street near you this weekend.

However, unlike Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday asks customers to simply shop at their local independent shops, no queuing, arguing or fisticuffs,

Worcester is positively brimming with independents. Locations like Friar Street, New Street, The Tything, Lowesmoor and so many other areas of the city offer first class service, unusual gifts, artisan food and drink and much more, all on the doorstep.

To promote SBS, the Federation of Small Businesses joined Worcester MP,Robin Walker,for a visit to Richard and Lisa Broomhead’s Chocolate Deli in New Street to discuss what it’s like to do business in the city.

The couple are no strangers to small business. Having spent the past ten years running the original Chocolate Deli at the Jinney Ring Centre, near Bromsgrove, they decided to open a second Chocolate Deli, right in the heart of Worcester.

Both the MP and the business owner agreed Worcester’s Business Improvement District has been a good thing for city businesses and Mr Broomhead was pleased that local businesses have voted to take the BID into a second term. He also took the opportunity to raise big issues for small businesses, like red tape and business rates. Although the Chocolate Deli opening hours are 9.30am – 5pm, Mr Broomhead's day starts at 6am and doesn’t finish until 11p. This, he said, is so he can keep on top of the regular demands of running a business, plus the various mandatory paperwork that every employer and small business person is expected to cope with.

Mr Wakler is a big supporter of small businesses, preferring to shop local wherever possible. He said : "I understand life for small business owners is not always easy, but I am proud of Worcester, which boasts a fully occupied High Street and plenty of choice in the city as a whole. Small businesses are vital to the individuality of any town or city and Worcester, I’m pleased to say, is doing a great job. I hope the festive season is a big success for all of our local retailers.”

Judi Brazkiewicz, chairman for the Federation of Small Businesses in Worcestershire, added: "Small Business Saturday is about much more than just December 6. Small businesses are big employers, often employing people in their first job, or following a career break. Small businesses bring vibrancy to any retail area and present us with a fantastic choice. Consider the wider small business community; small businesses are everywhere: financial services, legal services, vehicle maintenance and sales, fuel stations, health and beauty specialists, restaurants, pubs, hotels, tourist attractions and so much more. Small businesses breathe life into any town or city; we all have a duty to support small businesses wherever possible if we are to keep Worcester at the vibrant and dynamic centre of the county. I hope that small businesses have a great Christmas and wish them a prosperous 2015.”