Smaller businesses at a shopping centre are helping to fly the flag for independent stores.

The outlets at Stretford Mall are backing the UK Independents Day campaign on July 4 to help local businesses to prosper and grow..

They say small businesses can offer great customer service, unique finds, investment in new technology and a better chance to negotiate discounts.

Research for the Federation of Small Businesses shows that of every £1 spent, up to 70p circulates back into the local economy, flowing from traders to suppliers and the people they depend on to run their companies.

Nigel Young, 45, opened Reel around the Fountain record store at Stretford Mall three months ago and says the public need to support smaller independent traders.

He said: “I’ve been collecting records since I was seven and used to trade on eBay but decided to expand and run a shop. Vinyl is increasingly popular again and some of the bigger stores are starting to get back into vinyl in a big way.

“However, they tend to only sell new releases whereas I stock a lot of collectable records which they don’t.”

Father of four Nigel added: “We really do need to celebrate independent traders. I wish there were more in Stretford Mall.

“It’s a great shopping centre and is so well used by local people. We need to fight hard to keep what we have and keep our heritage and traditions alive.”

Business partners, Adele Flynn, 44, and Enith Williams, 58, have both worked as hair stylists in Stretford Mall for more than 28 years.

They bought their business Short Cut hairdressing salon almost a decade ago from their previous employer and haven’t looked back.

Adele said: “We love it and have a lot of regular customers. We employ a beautician and have a couple of youngsters who work part-time washing hair at weekends.

“I feel we are able to give better customer service as it’s our business. We know our customers and are able to relate to them. Some have been coming here for years.”

Mum of two Adele, who lives in Leigh, added: “We so much prefer running our own independent business at least if you need a telling off you can do it yourself!

“We just need people to support independent traders."

Nick Corlett, 33, has The Tanning Lounge, in Stretford Mall for 11 years and also urged the public to support independent traders.

He said: “I’m right behind Independents’ Day, it’s a great idea and showcases what we as retailers if you like do.

“I love being based in Stretford Mall and have a lot of regular customers who come here because they know we offer stand-up or lie down sun beds, the best spray tan in the area as well as a fish spa pedicure.”

"I’d love to see more independent traders move into the area and for more members of the public to get behind us and support what we do.”

Organised by the National Skills Academy for Retail and People 1st and now in its fifth year, the campaign celebrates the contribution independent businesses make to the UK.

It is also helping small businesses develop their skills, with a package of support available to destinations across the UK.

This includes developing on-line skills through the new Digital High Street Skills programme, and offering a warm welcome with WorldHost customer service training,

Stretford Mall manager Gareth Wilkins is a fan of the Independents’ Day initiative.

He said: “Here at Stretford we’re very proud of the fact that we have a significant number of smaller independent businesses which make a huge contribution to the diversity and success of the shopping centre. We’ve also got large stores here as well so we really do have a great mix.

“We are giving our wholehearted support to Independents’ Day which I think is an excellent idea in that it raises awareness of the very important role that the independents play in punching above their weight to boost the local and national economy.”