A BORDERS politician has launched his 2023 Small Business Awards to celebrate the “Best of the Borders”.

John Lamont, the MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, said he hopes the competition will encourage more people to shop locally over the Christmas period.

Anyone can nominate a small business by visiting www.johnlamont.org/small-business-awards-2023.

Nominations will close on November 29 and the winners will be announced around Small Business Saturday in early December.

They will be chosen by Mr Lamont based on the number of nominations received.

Last year’s Small Business Awards contest attracted more than 600 nominations for a host of small companies across the Scottish Borders.

A total of six received awards: WK Hair Design & Beauty in Galashiels; Gordon Arms Bar & Cafe in Gordon; KD Fit in Kelso; R&L Taxis in Selkirk; the Ancrum Pantry in Ancrum; and Think Fitness 4 Less in Hawick.

Mr Lamont said: “I am once again running a Small Business Awards competition to celebrate the best of the Borders in the run up to Christmas.

“Over the festive period, it’s vital that we all support local businesses as much as possible. Every pound spent locally helps to support jobs and grow our economy.”