Rishi visited Great Ayton to show his support for local small businesses.
He was celebrating Small Business Saturday, an annual event which encourages shoppers to discover and support local enterprises.
Rishi called at three local businesses, talking to owners and employees about their successes, challenges, and the contributions they make to the local economy.
He began his tour at Bramble and Lulu, a small independent and family-run home accessories business where he met owners Gill and Grant Smith to discuss the successes of the enterprise since opening in Great Ayton.
The next stop was Amethyst, a health and beauty salon where the Richmond and Northallerton MP heard Abi Spencer describe how she started her career at sixteen as an apprentice at Amethyst, before purchasing the business a few years ago. Rishi praised Abi on her success, which now sees her employ three other staff.
The visit concluded at Let’s Run, a specialist sports footwear shop, where owner Shelli Gordon explained how she had developed her business aimed at meeting the needs of all types of runners.
Rishi said: "Small businesses like these are at the heart of our economy and local communities. They create jobs, boost the local economy and bring people together. It’s inspiring to see the entrepreneurial spirit and dedication of the businesses here in Great Ayton, and I encourage everyone to shop locally in the run-up to Christmas and beyond."
Abi Spencer, owner of Amethyst, said: “It was great to see Rishi and I thank him for coming to visit and hear about the hair and beauty sector; I want to thank him for all his support to small businesses over the past few years.”
