POLITICIANS are urging support for this year’s Small Business Saturday.

Douglas Alexander, Lothian East MP, and Martin Whitfield, South Scotland MSP, are backing the campaign, which returns this Saturday, to support local firms across East Lothian.

Small Business Saturday celebrates small business success and encourages the public to 'shop local' and support businesses in their communities.

The event's organisers are calling for public backing, particularly as many businesses head into the crucial trading period.

Mr Alexander and Mr Whitfield are joining the campaign’s nationwide effort to show support for small businesses and their impact on local communities.

Mr Alexander said: "Small Business Saturday is a great campaign that I’m very pleased to support.

"During the years it has been running, it has engaged millions of people on the value of small businesses and encouraged billions to be spent with local firms.

"I’m urging local people and businesses to get involved again this year and back our vital local businesses."

Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign.

It was originally founded in 2010 in the US by American Express, which remains the principal supporter in the UK.

On Small Business Saturday, customers across the UK support all types of small businesses, including independent shops and restaurants, as well as small service and B2B-based businesses like accountants and plumbers.

Many small businesses celebrate by hosting events, offering promotions and collaborating with other local businesses.

Mr Whitfield said: "I’ve always been a strong supporter of Small Business Saturday and am delighted to be backing it again this year.

"Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy and Small Business Saturday has had a significant impact in supporting and promoting the vital contribution they make to local economies and communities."