Buy Local

If you want to support your local area, these are our top 5 picks to get you started:

• ●Visit cafes and restaurants owned and run by locals
• ●Shop in a local independent boutique for clothes you won’t see everyone else wearing
• ●Sample locally grown produce from greengrocers and farmers’ markets
• ●Use neighbourhood service providers, like accountants, hair salons and car mechanics
• ●Try out the bakers and cake shops on your doorstep

Why shop locally?

Eco–friendly

A trip to your high street is often on foot, meaning less pollution and reduced congestion. Buying local produce means the ‘field to fork’ journey is much shorter, too.

Unique character

Independent stores give an area personality. You’ll often find unique items, too — they can be a perfect place to find a gift that no one else has thought of.

Boost local jobs

Local small businesses are the largest employers nationally and create the most jobs for the communities around them.

Personal touch

The more you get to know your local specialist shop keepers, the better the advice they’ll be able to give you.

Future proofing

Communities with thriving high streets are more likely to attract likeminded businesses, ensuring the area flourishes for years to come.

Community Support

Local businesses often donate to neighbouring organisations and community groups. A local book store, café or craft shop organising events can become a hub for locals to meet up.

But what if you don’t have a local high street?

Try notonthehighstreet.com for a wealth of ideas from independent creatives in the UK. And if you can’t get to a farmers’ market, you can search the internet to find farms in your area, who deliver — like goosemoor.co.uk in West Yorkshire.