A special small business “taster” market will take place in Portsmouth city centre on Saturday 6 December in Commercial Road and Playland Creative Hub, as part of the national Small Business Saturday campaign.

Hosted by Portsmouth City Council and Portsmouth Creates, the market runs alongside the popular Portsmouth City Centre Christmas Market, offering visitors the perfect opportunity to shop local, discover unique gifts, and support local makers and businesses.

An exciting mix of local entrepreneurs will showcase their unique products. Visitors can expect to find a variety of offerings, including handcrafted cakes, premium artificial floral arrangements, organic Korean Beauty products, fresh preservative free artisan breads, hand drawn cards, award winning soaps and independent travel agency offering personalised holiday planning.

Small business owner Tracey Rashid from Essence of Cake said: ‘I am so pleased to be involved in the Small Business Saturday Market which will give me an opportunity to showcase our handcrafted and very tasty cakes. It will also help me get first hand feedback on my products and test whether a future market presence is right for my business”

Cllr Steve Pitt Leader of the Council with responsibility for Economic Development said: “Small Business Saturday is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that makes Portsmouth unique. With 80% of businesses in our city being micro businesses, events like this free taster market give local entrepreneurs the platform they need to showcase their creativity and grow.

Supporting small businesses isn’t just good for them – it strengthens our local economy and keeps Portsmouth thriving. I urge everyone to come along, explore the market, and discover the incredible talent we have right here in our community.”

Gemma Nichols, CEO, Portsmouth Creates said: “At Portsmouth Creates, we champion local creative voices. Together with Portsmouth City Council, this Small Business Saturday ‘Taster’ market gives makers and early‑stage enterprises a real-world launchpad, from Commercial Road to Playland Creative Hub, so they meet audiences, build confidence and take the next step in their journey.”

To encourage residents to support local businesses Portsmouth City Council is also working in partnership with Solent from First Bus, Stagecoach South and Community First for our Pompey Link Service, offering free bus travel across all routes in Portsmouth. The regular Love Southsea Market, made up of small businesses is also running on Saturday 6 December in Palmerston Road in Southsea.

Small Business Saturday UK is grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities.

For more information visit rediscoverportsmouth.co.uk