Independent businesses play a valuable role in communities throughout the UK, providing unique, high quality goods and expert services that many of us can’t do without.

In fact in a recent American Express® survey, more than three quarters (79%) of residents surveyed in Brighton and Hove said they consider it important or very important to support small independent retailers.

The survey also found that over a third (35%) of local residents described their regular independent store as a ‘local gem’, offering high quality goods and services. It’s with this in mind that American Express is running a campaign, Shop Small, to celebrate small businesses this July.

American Express Cardmembers can take advantage of a special offer when they spend at participating businesses in Sussex – as well as many other areas in the UK - this July*. And it’s clear these small businesses are important to local residents, with 65% of those surveyed saying they feel a strong sense of loyalty to the small businesses they regularly visit, and over a third (38%) attributing much of the appeal of the local area to residents and visitors, to the independent stores. For local shops, cafes, restaurants - or any other participating businesses - Shop Small is a great opportunity to raise awareness of their business and encourage customers to visit them.

*For full details American Express Cardmembers should visit amex.co.uk/shopsmall

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American Express Network

The American Express Network connects Cardmembers from different issuers with merchants and offers. For more information visit amexnetwork.co.uk.American Express Services Europe Limited. Registered Office: Belgrave House, 76 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9AX, United Kingdom. Registered in England and Wales with Company Number 1833139. American Express Services Europe Limited is authorised in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Payment Services Regulations 2009 (reference number 415532) for the provision of payment services