MORE than 230 visitors including East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds met 17 of the town’s smallest businesses at the Petersfield Small Business Fair on Saturday in Winton House.

The table-top event was timed to celebrate Small Business Saturday.

Town mayor Councillor Peter Clist and mayoress Linda Clist opened the fair and congratulated the businesses on their initiative to establish the event, which they hope will become a regular occasion.

Later in the day, Mr Hinds – with representatives of East Hampshire District Council – met all the exhibitors at their stalls.

Shine Radio’s Claire Venis and Joff Lacey recorded their flagship podcast The PPod live at the fair, which is available to listen to at https://shineradio.uk/

Sixth formers ran a cafe for visitors, raising funds for Winton House. Artist Kathryn Zena Ellis of Krizena Kreations offered face-painting for children.

Faye and Martin Thompson performed as town criers, telling passers-by about the fair and promotions that some of the town-centre independent traders were running.

Stu Goodson, who has recently set up in business as a chimney sweep, was one of the exhibitors at the fair. Dressed in the traditional sweep’s costume that he wears when couples book him for good luck at their weddings, he also encouraged visitors to meet the diverse range of businesses taking part.

Beth Svarovska, a local pilates teacher who organised the Small Business Fair, said: “We are grateful to the people of Petersfield for their support.

“It is encouraging to see how many people are shopping local. Some of the businesses are already telling me of sales and new potential customers as a result of the fair.

“It is encouraging that we have hit upon a sociable and effective new format for boosting local connections.”

Read more about the businesses involved at facebook.com/petersfieldsmallbusinessfairs or email [email protected]