Supporting Local Businesses in Changing Times
The COVID-19 pandemic and multiple lockdowns have made us more dependent on the internet than ever before, turbo-charging our reliance on finding what we need online. This shift is here to stay. At the same time, there’s been a growing desire to support local businesses and community initiatives, as people turn away from big corporate brands. Add to this a rising consumer focus on sustainability and climate-conscious choices, and local businesses are uniquely positioned to meet this demand.
Whatever the motivation, even small changes in buying habits can create a ripple effect that becomes a lifeline for small businesses.
These are changing times, and with the push to shop locally and buy online, it’s essential for every business—no matter how small—to have an online presence. The pace of digital change is only accelerating, and without a strong online presence, businesses risk being left behind in this fast-evolving landscape.
The local market here in North Wales offers a fantastic opportunity for small businesses. With a population of around 700,000 residents, there’s a steady, all-year-round audience just waiting to be reached. A small local business only needs to engage with a small fraction of this population to thrive.
North Wales is home to an impressive array of entrepreneurial small businesses. Our regional economy is built on tourism, which supports a network of related jobs and services. We have a vibrant artisan community creating beautiful crafts, products, and produce, along with skilled tradespeople and a fantastic food and drink scene. The outdoor activity sector is thriving and plays a vital role in our region’s economy.
Choosing to support local businesses—even with small purchases—can have a significant impact. It helps drive the regional economy, generates employment, improves career opportunities, and strengthens the sense of community.
Local Businesses at the heart of our communities
In a rural area like ours, local businesses are a lifeline.
Close to Keeping Local HQ, we’re fortunate to have a fantastic butcher, a small Co-op, a NISA with an in-store post office, and a friendly zero-waste store—all within walking distance. We also use veg box deliveries and a local milkman and the village is home to several good cafes. It’s a 16-mile round trip to the nearest big supermarket.
Yes, there’s convenience in shopping at a one-stop big brand. But if you look a little harder, you’ll discover excellent small local businesses offering everything from milk and veg boxes to cheese, meats, fish, cakes, bread, eggs, garden supplies, artisan products and holiday accommodation. You just need to know where to find them. And the same goes for local tradespeople and services. Choosing to support even one or two of these businesses can have a significant positive impact on the local economy.
Unfortunately, many small local businesses still aren’t online, which makes their products and services hard to find. Some may only rely on a Facebook page or a poster in a shop window. If this sounds familiar and you’d like to make your business easier to find online, Keeping It Local can help.
Contact Cathy for more information.