TODAY, Saturday, December 2, is Small Business Saturday in the UK – a grassroots, non-commercial campaign aimed at highlighting small businesses and giving them a much-needed boost.

The national initiative tries to encourage consumers to shop local and support small businesses in their communities.

Backed by the hashtags #SmallBizSatUK and #SmallBusinessSaturday, today is the perfect day to visit a local independent shop or small business and give them your support.

In the summer, as part of our Best of 2023 campaign, we searched for Warrington’s Best Independent Shop or Business.

We wanted to show small business owners at the heart of our local communities some love and celebrate the best the town has to offer as they juggle increasing overheads, competition from big brand companies and the ever-increasing trend for online shopping.

The Phone Whisperer on Knutsford Road in Latchford was the runaway winner after you, our readers, voted for your favourite in a shortlisted top 20.

Here is the town’s shortlisted top 20 independent businesses and shops:

Renovation Station

Renovation Station

Renovation Station, Warrington Market

Specialists in repairing and restoring footwear.

For more details go to facebook.com/renovationstationUK

The Phone Whisperer

The Phone Whisperer

The Phone Whisperer, Knutsford Road, Latchford

Specialists in repairing your old technology.

For more details go to facebook.com/Thephonewhisperer

Mamars at The Old Bank

Mamars at The Old Bank

Mamars at The Old Bank, Bridge Street

Freshly baked savoury and sweet artisan breads and cakes, which are all baked onsite.

For more details go to facebook.com/MamarsatTheOldBank

The Fox Studios

The Fox Studios

The Fox Studios, Evans House, Norman Street

A warm and friendly workshop where you can learn new skills and produce beautiful pieces of jewellery.

For more details go to facebook.com/heatherfoxjewellery

Tell Tales

Tell Tales

Tell Tales, Longbarn Local Centre, Fallowfield Grove, Padgate

An independent children’s book shop and tearoom.

For more details go to facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090529371475

White Lace Bakery

White Lace Bakery

White Lace Bakery, Golden Square Shopping Centre

Cakes and sweet treats made fresh daily.

For more details go to facebook.com/whitelacecakesbakery

Jam Clothing

Jam Clothing

Jam Clothing, Knutsford Road, Grappenhall

Comfortable and affordable clothing.

For more details go to facebook.com/jam.clothing.uk

HanMade for Kids

HanMade for Kids

HanMade for Kids, central Warrington

Personalised products for children.

For more details go to facebook.com/HanMadeforkids

La Beau Fleurs Florist

La Beau Fleurs Florist

La Beau Fleurs Florist, Manchester Road, Woolston

An independently run boutique florist specialising in wedding, funeral and seasonal work.

For more details go to facebook.com/profile.php?id=100040214901685

Tallulah Belle Boutique

Tallulah Belle Boutique

Tallulah Belle Boutique, Whitesands Road, Statham, Lymm

A unique collection of on trend ladies clothing, bags, scarves and accessories.

For more details go to facebook.com/TallulahBelleBoutique

Milk It Desserts

Milk It Desserts

Milk It Desserts, Birchwood Shopping Centre

New and exciting desserts, barista drinks and delicious brunch options.

For more details go to facebook.com/milkitdesserts

The Flossy Stitch

The Flossy Stitch

The Flossy Stitch, Warrington

Bespoke hand stitched embroidery hoops, handkerchiefs and other items.

For more details go to facebook.com/TheFlossyStitch

Forget-me-not Toys and Games

Forget-me-not Toys and Games

Forget-me-not Toys and Books, Common Lane, Culcheth

Independently run toy and book shop since 2007.

For more details go to facebook.com/forgetmenottoysandbooks

Ethan and Graces Designs

Ethan and Grace's Designs

Ethan and Grace’s Designs, Warrington

Professionally painted furniture, sourced from all over the UK.

For more details go to facebook.com/Ethanandgraces

Stitch Station

Stitch Station

Stitch Station, Station Road, Great Sankey

Locally owned coffee shop, tea room and yarn store in Great Sankey.

For more details go to facebook.com/sankeystitchstation

To Pie For

To Pie For

To Pie For, Station Road North, Fearnhead

Award-winning pies and pastries.

For more details go to facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063579068598

Abis Crochet Creations

Abi's Crochet Creations

Abi’s Crochet Creations, Warrington

Crochet products made to order.

For more details go to facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067495494094

Illumi-lights

Illumi-lights

Illumi-lights, Warrington

Illuminated sign hire for weddings, parties and other special events.

For more details go to facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063495335187

Steak and Sauce

Steak and Sauce

Steak and Sauce, Warrington Market

Steak frites, steak and eggs, philly subs and brisket.

For more details go to facebook.com/steakandsauce

Bird and Bay

Bird and Bay

Bird and Bay, Lymm

An independent home and garden décor shop with a passion for contemporary and vintage items.

For more details go to facebook.com/birdandbay