NEWPORT is once again championing Independents’ Day this year - spanning yesterday and today - with small businesses calling for the public to come in and spend at least £10 with them.

Hundreds of independent businesses in Rogerstone and Newport city centre are joining fellow entrepreneurs in Swansea to be part of the national campaign, celebrating the contribution of such shops to the UK economy.

Asking residents to spend £10 in independent high street shops rather than supermarkets or chains, businesses will try to tempt in the punters with displays, discounts and offers.

The day is being sponsored by Wildings department store in Newport city centre for the second time.

Having undergone a £140,000 refurbishment, the store hosted a cookery demonstration yesterday and will offer a limited number of bags for life in store, as well as offering electricals and other more expensive items at up to half price.

Chris Evans, Newport city councillor and community councillor for Rogerstone described Independents’ Day as a great idea.

“We’ve got a chef demonstration, special offers, a raffle to win a summer barbecue hamper, free ‘shop local’ bags, even cheerleaders and circus acts,” he said. “The mayor is also doing a walk about, to show support for Newport’s brilliant indie traders. There’s so much in fact that we’re running indie day over two days.

“Events like this are about trying to empower traders, to take control themselves and to help create a entrepreneurial ‘can do’ environment in which our brilliant Newport indie traders can thrive.

“I’d also like to challenge the great Newport public to back our indie traders and pledge to spend at least a tenner.”

Newsagent in the market, Jon Powell is offering 10 per cent off slushies and ice creams when you mention Independents’ Day.

The campaign is organised by People First and the National Skills Academy for Retail, helping independent businesses become more profitable and successful, and is backed by star of the BBC’s Dragons’ Den and entrepreneur Theo Paphitis.

Later in the year, on December 6, there is also Small Business Saturday.

To find out more email thenewporters@gmail.com or call 07825 655138.