A business leader has launched a rallying call for people to support local enterprise.

Barry Wheatley, chairman of the Oxfordshire Federation of Small Businesses, said: "It is so important that we get our message across to as many people as possible that we need to keep trade local.

"We need to do more to support local economies and help them thrive. Small businesses are an integral part of the local community and play a crucial role in its social and cultural activities in addition to the contribution they make to the local economy."

Mr Wheatley added that he was concerned that moves such as the extra 4p a pint on the price of a pint of beer announced in the Budget may stop people supporting local pubs which play a key role in local communities.

He was speaking as the FSB, which has 2,000 members in Oxfordshire, launched its national conference in Hammersmith, London.

A mass lobby to launch the Keep Trade Local campaign was taking place at the Houses of Parliament today.