By Iestyn Davies, FSB Wales

It is at this time of year that the thoughts of many of us turn to Christmas shopping. Indeed, festive trade is crucial to many businesses, and the festive season really can mean make or break for some, particularly those in the retail trade.

That is why Small Business Saturday which takes place next weekend (December 6) is so important. The annual event, now in its second year in the UK, encourages people to shop at the local traders in their community.

Anyone who has visited a local high street in Wales over recent years doesn’t need me to tell them how tough times have been for traders in our town centres. All too many high streets contain the gaping holes left by businesses who have not survived the harsh economic winter of recent years.

But many truly outstanding small businesses remain in our communities. They are the independent businesses that make each high street unique. Some are much-loved established local names - as famous in their own locality as any of the big multiples. Others are newer businesses that provide the sort of friendly and knowledgeable service that some bigger chain stores can only dream of.

So this Small Business Saturday we at FSB Wales are encouraging everyone to support their local independent retailers.

Last year more than £460m was spent at small businesses across the UK during Small Business Saturday and the hope is that figure will be easily surpassed in the current year.

Of course, those local shops are there every day of the year, but the spotlight that is shone on each of them by Small Business Saturday should serve to remind us just how much they have to offer, and perhaps encourage us all to support them more in the year to come.