INDEPENDENT businesses have made the most of one of the busiest shopping days of the year by taking their products to the streets of Haverfordwest.

Local traders were joined by artists, photographers and craftsmen from the Pembrokeshire Business Initiative (PBI) Spirit of Enterprise shop on Castle Square on Saturday (December 7) as part of Small Business Saturday.

Sponsored by Haverfordwest Chamber of Commerce, the festive street market was designed to show the diversity of products on offer from independent retailers.

“It’s highlighting how important shopping local is, not just at Christmas but at all times throughout the year,” said David Fletcher, manager of the Spirit of Enterprise shop.

Hand-crafted gifts, jewellery and art were also on display at the Riverside Shopping Centre, where 30-year-old Nikki Perry was one a dozen traders taking part in the Small Steps to Enterprise market.

Nikki decided to set up her own business when she was told she was no longer eligible for incapacity benefit.

“I had a really short window of time to think ‘what am I going to do?,” she said.

After being treated for breast cancer in 2009, Nikki developed the chronic condition lymphoedema, which often causes pain in her arms, and limits the activities she can do.

But, a life-long crafter, Nikki decided to try her hand at jewellery-making and felting when she was complimented on her work by friends.

Nikki said that the support she has received from Small Steps to Enterprise has been vital.

“Without it, I wouldn’t have had the first clue how to get a stall, and I don’t think I’d have had the confidence either.”

She said that the opportunity has also helped her get an idea of what her customers like and don’t like.

She added: “It’s also important to get out there and sell yourself as part of the brand, and to show people how much love you put into everything.”