Local businesses are the backbone of the UK economy. This week is ‘Local Business Week’; a chance to celebrate local businesses and encourage the British public to show businesses like Sarah’s Coffee Shop their support.
The fantastic thing about independent businesses is that they are run by people, not by boards, stockholders or algorithms. This means that businesses like mine add character to the community and a touch of warm, welcoming personality.
When you walk into Sarah’s Coffee Shop, you will be served by myself or Alice – two people who are able to get to know all of our customers individually. Although many chain businesses do have good customer service, you just can’t beat the personal touch of a local owner who enjoys getting to know everyone on the business park.
Every single transaction at Sarah’s Coffee Shop means something to me and my family, puts a smile on my face and definitely makes me do a happy dance!
So, why else should you shop local?
Research shows that £10 spent with a local independent shop means up to an additional £50 goes back into the local economy.
Supporting local business means you are helping families to put food on the table and pay for children’s swimming lessons or dance classes and not adding to a millionaire’s bank balance.
Local businesses have a positive effect on the health of the local jobs in your area.
Shopping at local businesses has a positive effect on the environment! If more people chose to walk to their local coffee shop rather than driving elsewhere, this would considerably reduce air pollution, reduce traffic and improve the quality of the nation’s high streets.
In a world that is becoming increasingly dominated by chain stores, which have been designed to look the same, independent businesses bring much-needed originality and variety into communities.
Unlike other countries who have allowed the chain stores to completely take over their high streets, Britain has always tried to keep the focus on local businesses. We can be a stubborn country who like to keep their traditions going for as long as possible, and in this case, we are right to do so.
At Sarah’s Coffee Shop, supporting other local businesses is at the heart of my business. So, when you visit Sarah’s Coffee Shop, you are supporting four other local businesses as well. To see which local suppliers I support read my blog: I support local suppliers. Here’s why.
So this week, and every other week, support small businesses and make us small businesses do a happy dance!