People are being encouraged to shop local and support their town’s businesses.

As part of Small Business Saturday – which takes place today – Stevenage Borough Council will be celebrating the town’s retail foot soldiers with a day of activities and giveaways in the town centre between 9am and 4pm.

The event – which is partnered by Stevenage Town Centre Management Company, Stevenage Old Town Business and Community Partnership, and Stevenage Indoor Market – will see the Business and Technology Centre offering free business advice in the Town Square.

Getting in on the action is tax expert Brian Alexander, who is hosting a free business clinic in support of the national campaign on Saturday at TaxAssist Accountants’ today between 1pm and 5pm – followed by a two-hour question and answer session online.

Mr Alexander, who owns the accountants, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Small Business Saturday and the local business community with these free advice clinics which aim to offer practical, jargon-free advice.

“We’ve been well supported by businesses in Stevenage over the past 11 years, so it is great to be able to give something back.”

Jess Princeton, who owns the vintage clothes and accessories shop Rosita Lollipop in Hitchin, said: “I believe that shopping local helps to strengthen and build communities.

“People may feel more a part of their community because they’re supporting British entrepreneurs.

“Small businesses in turn feel valued for all their efforts and tend to continue to provide better service and offer more niche and original products.

“Last week I purchased flowers from Stephanie Rose Florist, had breakfast at Rosebud’s Cafe, lunch at Chia Cafe, and attended an art exhibition with art work by local female artists at the Oriental Rug shop in the new arcade.

“There is so much to do in Hitchin, and as far as I’m concerned, we can never have too many independent businesses, artists or musicians.”

Tom Hardy of the Letchworth BID said: “We are proud supporters of Small Business Saturday which is a grass-roots, non-commercial campaign, highlighting small business success, encouraging consumers to ‘shop local’.”