The Isle of Wight Council will provide free parking in its car parks for a day in the run up to Christmas as part of a new initiative aimed at boosting local businesses.
On Saturday 7th December, the council will not charge to park in any of its car parks as part of an event called ‘Small Business Saturday’. The event, which also involves the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Visit Isle of Wight and the Federation of Small Businesses, is based on an American scheme which has seen sales in small businesses boosted by around $5.5 billion in the USA.
The first Saturday in December is traditionally one of the busiest for shopping and Shirley Smart, the Isle of Wight Council’s cabinet member responsible for tourism and economy, said:
“We hope by waiving charges in our car parks for a day will encourage lots of people to visit towns and villages and buy local for Christmas.
“Businesses can also play a part to take advantage of the increase in shoppers. Perhaps they can offer special deals or vouchers, maybe free refreshments for example to try and entice the extra people through their doors.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to support local business ahead of Christmas and I am sure it will be welcomed by the public and business owners.”
The Federation of Small Businesses is also getting behind the initiative and their vice-chairman Norman Arnold said:
“We are delighted to be actively supporting Small Business Saturday. Our members are going to seize this opportunity to show just what independent Island business can do.”
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The free parking will apply to all council-run car parks across the Island. It will not apply to private-run car parks or on-street parking in town and village centres.
Further details about Small Business Saturday will be announced over the coming weeks.
