A TRADER in Witney has given her backing to a nationwide campaign supporting independent business.

Rosa Ashby, who owns Rosa Flowers, in Wesley Walk, has taken the opportunity of Independents’ Day to emphasise what a difficult position many independent businesses are currently in.

The campaign – which despite having a focus on July 4 runs all year round – is being relaunched this year to celebrate independents.

Mrs Ashby, who has previously raised concerns over rising rates, talked about the difficulty of running an independent business in 2018.

She said: “Costs have risen a lot in the last year – especially business rates – and this is making it harder.

“Flower costs have also risen because of the fall in the pound and we are also worried about the possibility of tariffs going on flowers after Brexit.

“But we hope that people will realise that coming to independent retailers they will be dealing with people who know their trade, know their goods and know what they are selling and can give good advice.”

Mrs Ashby’s store, in Wesley Walk, is opposite what used to be Renaissance vintage clothes store, which had to shut due to rising rates earlier this year.

Independents’ Day, which was originated in 2011, will urge consumers to support independent retailers in their communities and online on July 4.

The launch of this year’s campaign follows recent data from The Local Data Company and the British Independent Retailers Association showing the independent retail sector saw a decrease of nearly 1,500 shops in 2017.

More information is available at independentsdayuk.org or on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @ukindieday