A Simple Thank You to the town centre's independent stores

Cllr Tom Mahoney visited Experience Hair Design, in Regent Street, to present owner Jane Mozley with a Simple Thank You certificate in recognition of her work to promote independent town centre businesses.

Jane, who opened Experience Hair Design in 2002, launched the Rugby Independents group on Facebook to give town centre traders a platform to publicise offers, events and business news.

The group now boasts more than 3,500 members and generates more than 1,000 posts a month.

Cllr Mahoney said: "Independent shops give a town centre a unique identity and in Rugby we're fortunate to have so many dedicated traders who offer a diverse range of goods and services while delivering excellent customer service.

"Small Business Saturday encourages customers to 'shop local' and support small businesses, and I'd urge Rugby residents to back our town centre traders during the Christmas shopping season and all year round."

Cllr Mahoney launched his Simple Thank You campaign at the start of his Mayoral year to highlight the work of individuals and organisations who serve Rugby's communities.

A grassroots, not-for-profit campaign, last year's Small Business Saturday saw an estimated £748 million spent with small businesses across the UK.

Photo caption: Jane Mozley, owner of Experience Hair Design and founder of the Rugby Independents group on Facebook, receives a Simple Thank You on behalf of town centre independent traders from the Mayor of Rugby, Cllr Tom Mahoney.