Small businesses are the heart of our communities. We’ve seen during the coronavirus crisis how quickly some of our city’s small businesses have adapted to continue to support us all but sadly many have also been devastated by the crisis. As all shops and other businesses begin to reopen, now more than ever it’s vital for us to ‘shop local’.

Supporting local small and independent businesses keeps 63p from every £1 in Portsmouth, is the cleaner, greener choice and will enable our city’s businesses to recover and come back stronger out of this crisis.

Local campaigner Nikki Coles shines a spotlight on some of her favourite local businesses in Fratton ward:

Make @ Aldingbourne Enterprises – 1 Cornwall Road

This social enterprise is a home from home in Fratton which supports adults with learning disabilities to develop skills and gain employment. Nikki said:

“You always receive a warm and friendly welcome from the brilliant staff here. There’s amazing food in the cafe as well as a charity shop and craft workshops to get involved with. During lockdown they’ve been sharing craft videos and even held a virtual spring fayre! I can’t wait to pop in for a cuppa and slice of cake”.

Penhale News – 40 Penhale Road

This local friendly newsagent has served the Fratton community for many years. Nikki said:

“Unfortunately this family business has been subject to attacks and theft. The family who run the shop are very well-liked in the community here and the shop is a great asset to Fratton. I’m glad the community rallied round to support them after the recent attack as well as in opposing a chain mini supermarket just opposite.”

On supporting local businesses city MP Stephen Morgan said: “Small businesses are the bedrock of our economy in Portsmouth. Helping to rebuild them as we emerge from the coronavirus crisis will protect livelihoods, protect jobs and protect our communities. 

Let’s all do what we can to support local and independent so that small businesses get all the support they need to survive and thrive”.

Got another local business in the ward you’d like to shine a spotlight on? Let us know below.