Trustee Cllr Patrick Kadewere said: “We are acutely aware of the difficulties small businesses have faced throughout the pandemic, whether due to national lockdowns, social distancing measures or not being able to meet clients face to face.

“We wanted to support our local small businesses get back on their feet through this community event and networking with other small business owners. We were very pleased to welcome the Mayor of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Dr Nik Johnson, who is keen to support initiatives such as this.”

Dr Johnson said: “It was a pleasure to be invited by Light House Community Group to open their first Small Business Market at East Community Centre Peterborough. As Mayor of the Combined Authority this is precisely the kind of Community initiative I am keen to support, where local charities and businesses work in Cooperation to listen to each others needs and show one another Compassion by helping each other to grow and succeed.

“A fantastic event which I hope to see more of throughout the Covid recovery."

Working alongside the centre management to organise this event on Saturday (February 26) was Cllr Dr Shabina Qayyum who said :“As one of the ward Councillors covering East Community Centre. it is a pleasure to work in close partnership with their management team on a range of projects to improve the wellbeing and growth of the area.

“I worked alongside the centres team to help put together their first Small Business Market which was a very important event to support local business recovery from the pandemic. I look forward to supporting other great projects in the pipeline here."

Small business owner Rehana Abdul-Qadir of Rehana's Sweet Treats said: “We were pleased to have the opportunity to attend this event. The pandemic has affected many families and businesses, and has also had a negative impact on people's mental health.

“We as a business strive to bring smiles to peoples faces, even in these troubled times so donated a number of our hampers to good causes throughout Covid so that Rahana Sweet Treats can bring a sweet smile to more people in need.”