A North Yorkshire fish and chip shop has joined a select group of companies showcasing the importance of small businesses to the UK economy.

Scotts of Helmsley has been named in the Small Biz 100, a collection of 100 UK small businesses to be celebrated in the run up to Small Business Saturday on December 5.

Small Business Saturday is a national campaign designed to highlight the success of small businesses and to encourage people to shop locally. 

This Wednesday (October 28)news about Scotts, its services and staff will be shared by the Small Biz Saturday team via a national online campaign.

Tony Webster, owner of Scotts of Helmsley and its sister venue, Scotts at Bilbrough, said: "We are thrilled to have been selected as one of the Small Biz 100.

"Wednesday, October 28 is Scotts Day! This is when the shop, staff and our products will be on view to the nation. It is fantastic to be part of such a big initiative that unites businesses across the country.

"Most people in this country own a small business, work for a small business or knows somebody who does, so it is essential to encourage people to ‘shop small’ and back these businesses in the UK.”

National campaign director Michelle Ovens said: "Although the campaign focuses on one day, the goal is to have a lasting impact on small businesses by changing mind-sets, so that people make it their mission to support small businesses all year round.”

Previous businesses featured in Small Biz 100 have not only received exposure on social media channels and local press, but also joined the Small Business Saturday team at a London reception in Downing Street with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne.

Mr Webster is also backing Helmsley in this year’s Great British High Street Awards. The town is pitted against Chipping Norton and Colne in the Market Town category.

The Great British High Street supports those working to revive, adapt and diversify high streets, and out of 230 high streets nominated, only 21have made it through to the finals.

The awards are backed by some the country’s biggest high street names, including Boots, M&S, Tesco and the Post Office.

Mr Webster added: "It is fantastic that Helmsley has reached this stage. We are flying the flag for North Yorkshire in this category.”

Details about the awards – and how to vote – are available from the Great British High Street website, found at: http://thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk/

Scotts of Helmsley, which boasts a fully-licensed 75-cover restaurant, takeout counter and function room – has recently been presented with an MSC (Marine Stewardship Council’s) Fisheries Standard.

Scott’s determination to only serve fish from sustainable supplies means it has joined a select band of just 47 fish and chip shops in the country to carry the industry award.

Further information about Scotts of Helmsley, located on Bridge Street, is available from its website, http://scottsofhelmsley.co.uk/