M R Starr Butchers and Fishmongers on the High Street in Emsworth are a family-run business offering high quality meat and fresh fish. They’ve also diversified to supply local restaurants.

As people's lives get busier and they have less time to cook, freshly-prepared ready meals are a big growth area for them, with the shop now producing around 300 per week.

Mick Starr bought the business in 1988 and today it's led by his sons Paul and Neil.

Paul said: "My dad was born in an air raid shelter in 1944 and has lived in Emsworth all his life. He is very well-known in the town. Since we took over it has gone from strength to strength. People do believe in shopping locally in Emsworth and we take the time to get to know our customers. We like to think we provide a good service and that's why people keep coming back!"

He added: "During Covid people who would have gone to big supermarkets came here instead. It was incredibly busy. People were queueing down the street and we've retained a lot of those customers."

It was great to meet Paul and Neil, and see their refurbished shop.

I’m backing the national Small Business Saturday campaign again this year, which involves me visiting local businesses to show my support which I also do throughout the year too.

I hope residents across the Havant Constituency will support our local small businesses, independent shops and high streets all year round!

Alan Mak MP November 30th