The National Skills Academy for Retail has officially launched this year’s Independents’ Day campaign.

Now in its third year, 4 July has once again been declared a nationwide day for shoppers to visit and shop at independent retailers to celebrate the diversity of the UK’s high streets.

This year, the campaign has joined forces with Independent Retailer Month, which runs throughout July.

“Independent retailers make up 92% of all retail businesses in the UK and their contribution to a location’s identity and community is unrivalled” - Jane Rexworthy, NSA for Retail

A package of training and business support is also being made available to independent retailers in England for the first time. The package is designed to help staff acquire and improve essential skills to grow their businesses.

“Independent retailers make up 92% of all retail businesses in the UK and their contribution to a location’s identity and community is unrivalled,” said Jane Rexworthy, head of the National Skills Academy for Retail.

“We recognise how important they are to local economies and to create a healthier high street, and we are delighted to give independent retailers a voice to reach out to the public.”

Clare Rayner, founder of the Support for Independent Retail campaign, for which Independent Retailer Month is one of the key annual events, added: “2013 is the third year for Independent Retailer Month and we intend it to be the best yet. I’m delighted to work alongside the NSA for Retail, and it’s great to have this national, consumer-facing event as a kick-start to this year’s Independent Retailer Month.”