Our Buy Local campaign started in May 2013. We went to local businesses and asked if they would display our buy local sticker, and in return we would put them on our twitter and facebook accounts, telling local people about those businesses. We had a few that didn't want to participate but overall the response was terrific. We now have pictures of nearly 400 local businesses and in some cases their owners.
Meeting local businesses it became apparent that trading conditions were far from easy. We concentrate on independent businesses not large chains so the perspective we got was very much at grass roots level. What we can say is that we're in danger of losing local businesses unless we support them. Why travel when you can get the same product locally? What about thinking before you click on an internet supplier. It takes courage and commitment to risk opening a business, rent, business rates, staff, heating, lighting the list goes on.
Next time you read about that "much loved shop" that has closed remember, with a little bit of love from you it may have survived. Our motto is " Use 'em, don't lose 'em".
