KENDAL is celebrating its small independent businesses today.

To coincide with American Independence Day on July 4, Kendal is hosting Independents Day.

Now in its fourth year, it promotes and champions independent business throughout the UK.

Events in Kendal are being supported by SLDC’s Invest in South Lakeland and Kendal Business Improvement District (BID).

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Another key aim of Independents’ Day is to highlight the benefits of buying locally.

Buying from local shops can make a real difference, with figures showing that if every adult in Kendal spent just £5 per week in their local independent shops it is estimated it would be worth an extra £5.1 million to the local economy, according to Totally Locally UK.

Coun Giles Archibald, portfolio holder for town centres and small businesses, said: “This is a great opportunity to celebrate our independent traders and show our appreciation for all their hard work throughout the year.

"They help form the unique character of our towns and are fundamental in making South Lakeland such a special place.

“Kendal is a leading market town and this is our chance to show the value of our family run businesses and celebrate diversity on the high-street.”

Dan Morley, of Beales, who was elected chairman of Kendal BID, added: “We would encourage all local people to spend locally to help support our local economy and our great independents."

The campaign will also raise awareness of the support that is available to independent businesses to help them train their employees, become more competitive and grow.

There will be information available from Invest in South Lakeland and Kendal BID at the Birdcage on Finkle Street.

More information can be found at www.people1st.co.uk/independents-day-2014 , and you can also follow Independents’ Day on Twitter at @IndieDayUK.