Deputy Mayor Howard Dawber OBE Visits Local Markets and SMEs Across London

Howard Dawber OBE, the Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth, spent Saturday 6th December visiting small businesses, markets, and SME hubs across the capital as part of this year’s Small Business Saturday celebrations, highlighting the importance of independent enterprises to London’s economy and communities. He continued his tour the following week. With tomorrow being Saturday, perhaps you could consider visiting your local shops and markets and making it part of your weekend routine too.

Small Business Saturday is a nationwide initiative that encourages people to shop locally and recognise the vital contribution small and medium sized businesses make to high streets, town centres and local employment. The campaign comes at a key moment in the calendar, as independent traders enter the busy festive period while continuing to navigate rising costs and economic pressures.

Howard Dawber OBE chose to spend the day meeting business owners face to face across multiple boroughs. His visits included Cafe Maitre in Greenwich, Mirage 2 Diner in Bromley, Boxpark in Croydon and ORU Space in Sutton, where he spoke directly with entrepreneurs about their experiences of running and growing a business in London.

Further stops included Blooms in Wimbledon and Kingston Christmas Market, showcasing the role of seasonal trading and local retail in supporting town centre footfall. In Richmond upon Thames, the Deputy Mayor visited Big Mum’s Samosas, while in Hounslow he met the team at Matchado. In Hammersmith, he visited HG Walter, highlighting the breadth of London’s food and hospitality sector.

The tour also took in Whitechapel Market, Little Bangla in Newham and Gold Hair and Beauty Studio in Barking and Dagenham, reflecting the diversity of businesses that power London’s local economies. Additional visits included Barracuda Fish and Chips in Havering, I Cakes in Redbridge and the Ceramarche pop up in Waltham Forest, celebrating independent makers and creative enterprises.

Speaking during the visits, Howard Dawber OBE encouraged the audience to support local businesses during the festive season and beyond.

As we head into Christmas and beyond, let’s support our local businesses wherever we can and pick up at least one gift from a small, local business this season.

With tomorrow being Saturday, perhaps you could consider following the Deputy Mayor’s example by visiting local markets, independent shops and small businesses. Choosing to shop locally, even for just one purchase, helps sustain jobs, strengthen communities and keep high streets thriving.

While Small Business Saturday places a national spotlight on independent traders for one day, Howard Dawber OBE emphasised that support for small businesses should continue year round. By backing local enterprises this weekend and beyond, the audience can play a direct role in supporting the businesses that help define the character and success of their neighbourhoods.