Shoppers are urged to buy local in the Christmas build-up

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said that the unprecedented pressure on small businesses throughout 2020 means they desperately need a boost from their local communities in the run up to Christmas, coming out of lockdown.

They have called on shoppers to provide some much needed Christmas cheer for Britain’s independent businesses by thinking local first this Christmas.

The ‘Love Your Small Independent Business’ campaign is asking local people to not only actively support their local independent businesses by using the hashtag #ilovesmallbusiness online, but also to share images of their purchases and recommendations of small shops and businesses by using the hashtag #ShopHereThisChristmas.

The campaign also calls on people to place reviews of their favourite businesses online as well to persuade others to ‘shop small’ and think local first in line with the current, high profile Google ‘Dear Local’ advertising push.

FSB regional chairman, Simon Williams, said everyone has a part to play to ensure independent businesses have a fighting chance of rescuing their curtailed Christmas sales so they can continue to be part of the local community in 2021.

He said it is not just shops, but all small businesses need support. He cited taxi firms, hairdressers, pubs, newsagents, personal trainers, dry cleaners, arts centres, craft teachers, driving instructors, cake decorators and photographers.

“This has been an unbelievably testing time for all our brilliant small, independent businesses,” he said.

“Many have worked tirelessly to try and stay open and provide invaluable support and service to the community in a safe and secure way, and we know being part of a vibrant community with independent businesses is important to local people.

“We therefore hope local people support this campaign and reward the loyalty their local independents have shown to communities. They are the very heartbeat of local life.”

He said that many local retailers have innovated over the last few months by introducing online ‘click and collect’ services.

The FSB campaign is asking retailers to take part by posting images of themselves and their shops to entice shoppers using the hashtag #ShopHereThisChristmas.

The FSB’s national chairman, Mike Cherry, said: “Small businesses are well and truly at the heart of our communities.

“That’s why it’s never been more important to support your local firms and, by extension, the community in which you live.”