REASONS TO BACK LOCAL BUSINESS
Supporting the local economy
Local businesses are the backbone of our economy. Rather than visiting a large chain, shopping local has been proved to have a greater benefit to your area. Research has shown that for every £10 spent with a local independent shop this adds up to an additional £50 going back into the local economy. Very simply, by investing in nearby shop owners, they are likely going to put their money back into the community by hiring local staff, visiting local restaurants and shopping local themselves – therefore circulating the money and allowing your community to prosper further.
Creating local jobs
Now, more than ever, it is vitally important to get people back in employment – and where else to start than in your own community? Investing in your local businesses can have a very positive effect on the area, allowing small, independent firms to hire more staff and again keep money in circulation in the community. There is no wonder, therefore, why small, local businesses are the largest provider of jobs across the country – and are likely to pay a higher average wage than their commercial chain counterparts.
The customer service
There’s a chance that at some point in your life, you’ve been stuck on hold with a big department store or chain restaurant… just begging to be put through to a human, rather than an automated robot on the other end of the phone. With small businesses, they can offer the personal touch – there’s a chance they know not only your name, but also your “usual”. Local firms are always willing to go above and beyond to make sure you have the best experience with them – something you will not always find at the bigger brand names.
The tradition
Research from the Institute for Family Business found 85% of all UK firms are family owned, while Startups.co.uk found 57% of all independent small businesses are family-run. This method of keeping it in the family allows skills and tricks of the trade to be passed down through generation to generation. These businesses and owners take great pride in their work, often offering a top-quality service and commitment to the trade – all the while considering the legacy that came before them, and the legacy that they’ll pass on to their children one day.
The environment
It doesn’t take an eagle eye to notice that local firms often proudly parade their eco-credentials. Produce from local farms has a much shorter distance to travel than if you bought it from a big chain supermarket – and is so fresh it is likely not going to be packed in layers of plastic either. On a similar note, local stores mean customers aren’t jumping in the car to drive to a supermarket – which as a result leads to more walking, a reduction in air pollution and improving the look of a local high street.
It’s someone’s dream
Businesses don’t just happen overnight. That jewellery shop on your local high street wasn’t thrown up in a day. That little bakery didn’t just magically appear. It takes passion and dedication to run a small business – with long hours, late nights and stressful days. While to you, it’s just a shop – for the owner it is the realisation of a dream. You’re making a difference to the person behind the counter, and to their families too. Your weekly shop could be part of what is needed to keep that business afloat – while at the same time showing respect to the owner for trying to make an honest living against the tsunami of competition.
Unique products
Big retailers more often than not always follow the same pattern – with similar styles, looks and ideas. But by shopping local, you’re way more likely to have not only a