HUGH Bayley, MP for York Central, has met some of the winners of The Press’s Local Business Accelerators campaign.

Mr Bayley met Alex Claydon and Samantha Agnew, founders of Now and Then Events, a small business which arranges shopping events, including York Does Vintage, in a bid to promote small business.

Now and Then was awarded free advertising and mentoring in the Newspaper Society competition, along with York Cocoa House and Chokdee Thai boxing club.

Now and Then also won Visit York’s Outstanding Customer Service Award, as well as being shortlisted for Best Shopping Experience and Best Marketing Campaign and the business has been shortlisted for two national vintage awards, Best Vintage Fair and Best Vintage Wedding Fair.

Mr Bayley said: “Small businesses play a vital role in our economy and in local communities. I very much hope that the Local Business Accelerators competition and the accomplishments of Now and Then Events and York Cocoa House will help to inspire other people to start their own business in York or to expand one they are running.’