If you want to support local businesses, you can shop in your area. You can also spread the word and leave reviews. Another way is to offer your services at a lower price.
How does supporting local businesses help the economy?
99.2% of the business population consists of small businesses, and small businesses are an integral part of the local community, providing employment and local economic growth. Their turnover has a significant impact on the broader economy, accounting for two-thirds of total employment. Local businesses add character to the area. They offer unique products and services you can’t find anywhere else.
Unfortunately, the last decade has hit local businesses hard. Tackling challenges caused by Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising inflation has left many businesses struggling. This means it is more important than ever to support your local businesses.
Ways of supporting independent businesses
One of the best ways to support local businesses is surprisingly simple: buy their products or hire their services. For small businesses, every sale counts, so making simple switches to independent brands can make a huge difference. Go to a local café instead of a chain store, attend local markets for fresh produce, or buy gifts from a local boutique.
If you’re a business owner, you can consider outsourcing services such as accounting, printing or manufacturing from local suppliers. Tipping or donating is also a great way to show your support and appreciation for local businesses.
Events like Small Business Saturday, Love Your Local Market, and Independents Day UK encourage shopping at local businesses. They offer deals and promotions to help you save money. Check out these events and get involved!
Sharing and spreading the word is a great way to increase brand awareness and increase traffic to small businesses. Leave online reviews as this is the first thing that potential customers will likely check, and follow, like and share the business on social media.
To discover more local businesses, join local community pages or Facebook groups. Not all businesses have a physical storefront, so searching Etsy or other sites for small creators can lead you to some hidden gems.
Lastly, if you have digital skills that can help a local business, think about offering your services. This could be in marketing, social media, or web design. You might provide them at a lower rate or trade for their services.
At All Things Business, we enjoy supporting local businesses by sharing what our diverse community offers. You can check out our latest Northamptonshire articles.
