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Woking Borough Council is flying the flag for local retailers in throughout the Borough and celebrating the contribution independent businesses make to the UK economy.

Across the country, on 4 July 2014, the public will be encouraged to buy at least one item from their local independent shops to celebrate Independents' Day 2014.

Organised by the National Skills Academy for Retail and People 1st and, now in its fourth year, the campaign celebrates the contribution independent businesses make to the UK.

To raise awareness of this year's campaign, Woking Borough Council is working with independent retailers to offer discounts to their customers on the day. Retailers that are taking part in the discount scheme will be putting Independence Day posters up in their windows on the 4 July 2014.

Jo Magneval of Cellar Magneval said "We are delighted to take part in this year's Independents' Day. As a small, local and independent business we are always keen to find ways to shout about it and Independents' Day is the perfect way to do this.

"Our business, Cellar Magneval is not only a wine bar but also a wine shop, so for Independents' Day we would like to offer 10% discount on single bottles on our take away wines and 15% off six bottles or more. We sell quality wines from all over the world for all budgets and also now proud to include some wonderful fine wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy and beyond! We hope to see you in our 'Cellar' this Friday!"

Last year, thousands of businesses in over 150 locations across the UK took part, with activities such as street festivals and special promotions to mark the day. This year, 18 trade associations[1] are supporting the campaign.

Jane Rexworthy, Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships for People 1st said: "The Independents' Day campaign has gained considerable momentum over the last four years and we are certain that this year's campaign will be the most successful yet.

"We are calling on destinations across the UK to support small businesses in their areas and celebrate the valuable contribution they make to the local economy on 4 July."

Councillor Gary Elson, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, said: "Independents' Day is a great opportunity for people to show their support for small businesses - the lifeblood of our economy. It is part of the Woking Borough Council's Economic Development Strategy to ensure that small businesses have the right environment to grow."

In the lead up to the day, businesses are encouraged to download supporting materials from www.indieday.co.uk to join forces with other SMEs, town centre teams and local skills shops, and to communicate to customers the town-wide activities, which will help drive footfall into locations and the small businesses within them.

To stay up to date with all the activities, you can follow the campaign on Twitter (@IndieDayUK), hashtag #IndieDay, Facebook (www.facebook.com/IndependentsDay) or visit www.indieday.co.uk

The Independents' Day campaign is sponsored by Mondelez International.