Plea to Keighley shoppers ahead of Independents' Day

Retailers in the Airedale Shopping Centre have issued the plea in support of Independents' Day.

The national campaign celebrates small firms and traders – and encourages people to use them.

Backers of the annual initiative say independent businesses offer better customer service than big chains, unique finds and latest technology and are able to negotiate discounts.

And they highlight research for the Federation of Small Businesses which shows that for every £1 spent, up to 70p circulates back into the local economy.

Mohammed Hafejee, of Airedale Opticians, feels the fact his business is independent has enabled him to invest in the latest equipment.

The firm has recently acquired a special machine which uses light waves to take cross-section pictures of a patient's retina.

It is part of a £250,000 investment Mr Hafejee and his wife Sarah have made since taking over the business in 2009.

"As an independent business we make our own decisions on such matters and are not bound by rules from a 'head office'," he said.

"We highly value customer service and are able to offer specialist advice."

Airedale Shopping Centre manager, Steve Seymour, voices his support for Independents' Day.

He added: "At smaller, often family-run businesses – like the ones we have in Brunswick Arcade and Towngate – you can pick up unusual, one-off gifts and products.

"Also, our independent cafes know their customers by their first names – and exactly how they like their drinks!

"Smaller traders also offer excellent one-to-one service and great value for money, which our regular customers appreciate.

"We have a good mix at the centre of big brands and independents."

Liam McQuaid, of Raffles Jewellers, sees generations of families returning to his shop.

"We place great emphasis on customer service and people know that we are able to discuss discounts – there's no referring to a regional manager or distant head office to make that decision," he said.

The strength of Keighley district’s independent businesses was exemplified last month.

Accolades across the board in the glittering annual Keighley Business Awards went to independents.

Feature Radiators scooped the overall Business of the Year title as well winning the Small Business of the Year; Excellence in Corporate, Social and Environmental Responsibility and Success Through Innovation and Diversification categories.

Platinum Stairlifts won two awards – Manufacturer/Engineering Business of the Year and Excellence in Overseas Trade.

Tax Assist Accountants won the Financial/Professional Services Business of the Year prize and company trainee Georgina Burn won the award for Apprentice/Trainee of the Year.

The prize for New Business of the Year went to Vets 4 Pets Keighley, while Large Business of the Year was picked-up by Powerrun.

The award for Independent Trader of the Year went to Slow Food Kitchen cafe and bistro.

* A Keighley tax expert is staging a free clinic ahead of Independents' Day.

Dave Forrester, who runs TaxAssist Accountants, is holding the session at the firm's North Street offices from 10am to 1pm tomorrow (July 3).

Anyone from the business community is invited to call in for information or advice.

"We're delighted to be backing the Independents' Day campaign and the local business community," said Mr Forrester.

"We have been well supported by businesses in Keighley over the past seven years, so it is great to be able to give something back.

"The clinic will offer practical, jargon-free advice to help guide business owners through any problems they may face."