INDEPENDENT retailers have been described as the “lifeblood” of Brighton and Hove.

Statistics show small traders are vital for the economy, accounting for 70% of all businesses, with a network of 11,635 registered in the city.

Famous shopping district The Lanes is packed full of small businesses and attracts millions of visitors every year. The raft of unique and ever-changing items on offer always keeps locals coming back for more.

The recently re-opened Open Market in London Road boasts an abundance of traders, while a rich tapestry of boutique shops are available in areas including Fiveways, Seven Dials, Hove, Portslade and on the seafront.

All of these businesses are popular and successful but need to be supported so they continue to thrive.

Today The Argus is calling on you, the shopper, to celebrate those traders who make our vibrant city stand apart during the second annual Small Business Saturday (SBS) by reaching into your pocket on one of the busiest trading days before Christmas.

Julia Chanteray, president of the Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce, said: “We’re spoilt in Brighton and Hove with our choice of independent retailers, coffee shops, printers, nurseries, garden design companies and there are more small businesses here than just about anywhere else in the country.

“We can buy locally with ease, because there are so many suppliers here. It's one of the greatest strengths of our economy.

“We shouldn't take our small businesses for granted. We all need to make sure we prioritise buying from our wonderful small businesses.

“I can’t imagine what Brighton would look like without them.”

The Argus has backed the campaign this week and featured a series of traders oozing entrepreneurial spirit. Numerous organisations and companies have incentives and special events to shop local on one of the biggest days of the year for small traders, including free bus travel for some passengers and free parking in some city car parks.

Today a trail of lanterns will illuminate the streets as part of an art installation in place until January 6.

The display, organised by groups Brilliant Brighton and Same Sky, marks 21 years of the Burning of the Clocks festival, when paper and willow lanterns are carried through the city and burnt on the beach.

Businesses supporting the winter solstice parade will host five large lights as part of the “Urbano” trail which takes visitors on a tour of the North Laines, the Lanes and Preston Street.

Lanterns will sit in shop windows in Simon Webster Hair and Edited in Gardner Street, Donatello and Jigsaw Menswear in the Market Place, and the Futon Shop in Preston Street.

What SBS means to us

Derry Watkins, who owns Resident Records in Kensington Gardens with Natasha Young, said: “Awareness of the campaign seems to be growing this year.

"Anything that encourages people to shop with independent traders is a good thing. It shows people care about their community, and the people who live here, and want to support it.

"We try to shop with fellow traders and we value the extra level of customer service this gives us. Traders provide character to areas and a lack of support for them could kill towns and cities.

"They are particularly important here because they attract so many visitors to Brighton each year.” Paul Morgan, shop manager of Butlers Wine Cellar, Queens Park Road, Brighton, said: “It helps remind people about their small businesses.

"We want to encourage people to shop at independent traders which have diversity in their products, and are more involved with the community and the customer.

"This is not to say that big businesses don’t have a place in society. Every business has to start somewhere – small businesses have fresh ideas and stand out from the norm, inspiring bigger businesses.”

Andrew Earley, one of the owners of Bert’s Homestore which has shops in Kensington Gardens and Western Road, in Brighton, and George Street, in Hove, said: “As an independent shop we really value the support of our local customers. Without them there wouldn’t be a Bert’s Homestore. We think Brighton has got the best independent shops in the UK and we are proud to be part of that community.”

One of city’s best plaices for fish

THIS fishmonger is not in the trade for the halibut. She’s got a passion to make her industry a better plaice.

As part of Small Business Saturday, The Argus is supporting the city’s independent traders and Kelly Eardley, 38, owner of Ofishly Healthy fishmongers in St James Street, Brighton, said: “We’re lucky here in Brighton because people do seem to shop small.

“There are lots of specialist shops compared to cities in the UK where you can’t tell where you are because the streets are dominated by the same old big names.

“We’ve got a deli full of pastas and other bits that go nicely with the fish and it’s proved popular, especially with our Spanish and Italian customers. We have local artists’ work on the walls for sale so we support them too.

“I’m the fourth generation on my dad’s side to be in the fish trade, so I know what I’m talking about.

“With all independent fishmongers, we’ve got a passion for what we do. If you buy a fish from me I can tell you when and where it was caught, the boat’s name and even the name of the fisherman.”

Offers and information

BRIGHTON and Hove Buses is offering free travel for children under the age of 16 and Bus ID card holders accompanied by a fare paying adult or a concessionary pass holder today. The offer is not valid on night services.

Volunteers from the council’s economic development team, VisitBrighton, and the Hove Business Association (HBA) are at Brighton, Hove and Portslade train stations handing out city maps highlighting clusters of independent retailers.

Free car parking is available at five council-owned car parks today, and on the four subsequent Sundays in the run-up to Christmas.

Shops can get council advice on how to make the most of their window display in the festive season. Customers can collect stamps after visiting Portslade and Hove shops and fill in the card to enter a £500 cash draw. American Express founded Small Business Saturday in the US, and supports the UK campaign, which launched in 2013, with its Shop Small promotion.

If American Express card members spend at least £10 in participating small businesses they will receive a £5 statement credit from today until December 21.

The offer is valid once per registered card, per business, with no limit on the number of businesses.

For terms, conditions and to register visit amexshopsmall.co.uk/register n Gavin Stewart, manager of the Business Improvement District (BID) which represents 340 shops and runs Brilliant Brighton, said: “Small businesses are the lifeblood of Brighton and are intrinsically linked to our success.

“But we can’t take that success for granted. If we don’t support the small independents, the lone traders and the start-ups, our city would be a very different place indeed.

“Show the independent small businesses how much you care today by leaving the internet alone and getting some hands-on customer service from some of our very own high street heroes.”

Public figures voice their support

  •  Jason Kitcat, the leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “The city attracts over nine million visitors a year and shopping is a key attraction. The ethos of buying locally is something the council wholeheartedly supports. “SBS is another way to champion our businesses which contribute significantly to the local economy and help keep visitors flocking to the city all year round.”
  • Martin Harris, managing director of Brighton and Hove Buses, said: “SBS is a great idea to help boost local small businesses in the city and we are delighted to support this event. To encourage more people to come into the city to shop and support local businesses, we are offering the free travel for children so that all the family can come along for a fun and festive day out.”

Why shoppers love Brighton

  • Bel Lagerdahl, who creates upcycled, customised, and handmade clothes, accessories and homeware at the Shaboutique co-operative shop in the Open Market, and shops in the city, said: “Brighton is very creative. People seem to appreciate handmade items here. There’s plenty of options for unique gifts. And it is more personal for the customer, often they meet the owner of the store or the actual maker of the items. In our co-operative there are ten of us to take it in turns to man the shop and there is a workshop at the back so we can make items throughout the day.”
  • Zoella, Brighton-based beauty and fashion video blogger – or vlogger - whose tips are watched by four million viewers on YouTube, said she fell in city’s shops and it was a main reason for relocating here this year. In an interview with The Argus’ Women Actually section in April the online celebrity – real name Zoe Sugg - said: “I started visiting a lot last year and I just wanted to be in Brighton every single day. Everything felt so quaint. Everyone is very community focused. The first thing I fell in love with was the independent shops, cafés and The Lanes. One of my favourite interior shops is Edited, in Gardner Street, I also really like Pussy Home Boutique.”