Local businesses of all types and sizes in Wales can be nominated – the business who receives the most votes will be crowned as the UK’s favourite. A chance to win £500 to spend locally is on offer too.

Ahead of Small Business Saturday, fintech Miconex is inviting nominations from Wales as it asks the public to ‘Help Us Find the UK’s Favourite Local Business’.

Miconex is behind the 150 Town & City Gift Card and Downtown Gift Card programmes running across the UK, Ireland and North America, including 5 in Wales; Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Newport, Swansea – plus the new Pontypridd Gift Card set to launch before Christmas.

Each card can be used with a range of local businesses in a particular town, city or region, including retail, hospitality, leisure and attractions, diverting spend from online retailers to local communities.

Miconex’s campaign runs from the 1st December to the 21st December. The winning business who receives the most votes, and one person who nominated them, will receive £500 in Town & City Gift Cards.

Colin Munro is the managing director of Miconex and said:

“We’re pleased to launch the search to find the UK’s favourite local business in Wales. We know first-hand just how many unique, fantastic businesses there are in Wales. It is local businesses of all types and sizes that make our towns and cities vibrant places where people want to work, live and visit. These are the businesses that are going above and beyond to provide quality products and experiences, and good service, each and every day.

“Local businesses make our towns and cities what they are, and we’d like to celebrate them this festive season. Our August 2022 survey with 1500 consumers, employees and organisations found that support for local is at an all-time high, with 90% of consumers saying they’re keen to support local this Christmas.

“In the current economic climate, local businesses need our support as much as ever. Nominating your favourite local business in Wales is one way you can show your support for local, and help to keep your local area thriving.”

Nominate a local business for free at: www.lovelocalwin.co.uk