Business support figures behind a new campaign to boost the North East Lincolnshire economy have welcomed the Shop Local Week initiative from government.
Loyal to Local was launched in the Grimsby-area as lockdown restrictions were lifted.
Now as part of the Enjoy Summer Safely campaign, Business Secretary Alok Sharma has brought forward Shop Local Week, a profile-raiser underway now.
He said: 鈥淔rom corner shops and florists, to newsagents, cafes and pubs, our high streets are at the heart of every community in every corner of the 海角视频.
鈥淏usiness owners have done an incredible job so far to welcome shoppers back safely, and I hope people across the country will do their bit this week to help our high streets bounce back to protect jobs and support local communities.鈥
It has been seized upon by the team, with local authority North East Lincolnshire Council and business support organisations E-Factor and Investment Hub NEL pushing Loyal to Local on the ground and through a dedicated website and strong social media presence.
鈥淏usinesses that make up our local high streets, offices, business parks and industrial sites, along with the thousands of self-employed traders, and entrepreneurs across the area have been seriously affected during this pandemic鈥 said Rachel Appleton, business advisor with E-Factor. 鈥淣ot only do they account for over 90 per cent of employment in the area, they are essential to the future of our towns and villages and help to create choice within our communities which is why we feel so passionately about driving this campaign.
鈥淲e鈥檙e trying to make people aware that when you spend locally, you鈥檙e investing in the local economy and that means so much more! You could be contributing toward local employment and further local spend through suppliers. For every 拢1 spent locally, it creates 拢4 for the local economy.鈥
A raft of reasons for high street shopping were given by government, including creating and securing jobs and preserving the heart of a community. Independent businesses in particular were praises for offering more choice and deals, with a better shopping experience provided by people with a stake in an area. It also stacks up environmentally.
Deborah Cooper, investment officer for North East Lincolnshire Council, said: 鈥淲e welcome all types of businesses to get involved in this campaign. Our key aim is to encourage local spending and we look forward to highlighting new services, collaborations between businesses, new launches, those who have diversified, new innovations and other exciting offers.鈥
Competitions for vouchers, redeemable locally, are also planned.
鈥淎s slowly but surely the country starts to 鈥榰nlock鈥 it has never been more important to recognise the importance of supporting the local economy,鈥 Deborah added.
鈥淥ur purpose is to help the local business community thrive and we feel that our Loyal to Local campaign will help to support that in North East Lincolnshire and surrounding areas.鈥
Nationally, the week runs until Sunday, tying in with Eat Out to Help Out. Templated digital content is being made available to share with followers.
Federation of Small Business National Chair Mike Cherry said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 vital now more than ever that we do what we can to support our local small businesses. The past few months have been among the most difficult that businesses have ever had and as we slowly reopen, the public can help by supporting their local businesses. Whether it鈥檚 your local grocer, decorators or florist, they all need the support of their communities in order to survive this crisis and thrive.鈥
