Small businesses across the East struggle to survive due to strikes
The strikes mean they are getting less business
Our Federation of Small Businesses is warning that firms across the East can't cope with cross-sector strikes rolling into the start of the new year.
The appeal comes as train strikes and National Highways strikes continue into the new year.
Many are already struggling with the rising cost of basic goods- in addition to industrial action affecting their vitally important Christmas trade.
"Many of our small businesses are fighting for their very survival"
Candy Richard represents the FSB across the East told us how the strikes are affecting small businesses.
"So right now many of our small businesses are fighting for their very survival.
"Small businesses are seeing price increases across the board, which is pushing up the cost of products, material and staffing, and they are seeing energy costs rocket.
"Around 1/4 of small businesses (are) saying it might force them to downsize significantly or close all together.
"Many small businesses have (already) decided to scale down their operations, rather than disappoint their customers.
"Small businesses need the trade now more than ever and it (the strikes) are really adversely impacting on their ability to trade.
"And at the moment customers are being really cautious around spending.
"For many small businesses, this Christmas could be 'make or break' so it's really vital that we all think local and we all support our small businesses this Christmas and beyond."
We asked Candy: 'How do the Strikes affect Businesses?'
"The transport strikes are really impacting on small businesses, particularly the high street shops, our restaurants and our pubs, which for them they really need that footfall to make most of their money.
We asked Candy: 'Why it's so important to shop local?'
"It makes a real difference to the local community and the local economy as well.
"About 60% of people at working age work for a small business."
"About 50% of turnover here in the Uk from Private companies actually comes from small businesses, so if you choose to shop local and support a small business not only are you helping that small business survive, you are also helping your local community too.
"Taking the time to shop from a small business this future could actually safeguard their future.
"Supporting a small business this Christmas could mean they are here for many more Christmass to come.
"The difference your spending could make this Christmas could actually mean they'll be around to thrive and grow and provide more jobs in the local community.
"Now there are obviously some cheaper alternatives around, but what you get from shopping from a small business is a really high-quality product and service and also that feel-good factor that you're playing a real part in their future viability."