The Buckinghamshire council want you to get involved with 'Shop Local Week'

Shop Local Week is part of the Government’s Enjoy Summer Safely campaign.

It’s a national campaign to encourage people back to their local high streets and to support their local businesses wherever they can.

As businesses work to recover after the impacts of the national Covid-19 restrictions, Shop Local Week is all about giving them a helping hand to rebuild in the coming weeks and months ahead.

Here in Bucks the council are encouraging residents to hit their local high streets and support our local businesses this week (10-16 August).

All across Buckinghamshire, local businesses have brought in a wide range of measures, such as plastic partitions at tills, social distancing, contact-free payment and hand sanitiser stations.

These measures are encouraging people to gradually get back to the way of life they have missed, while following safety guidelines to help us all to stay safe and protect Buckinghamshire.

By buying locally, we can all play our part in supporting and protecting our local economy, helping our local businesses to keep existing jobs and even to create some new ones.

Every penny you spend locally will help to boost our local economy and help our local communities recover from the impacts of COVID-19.

Whether it’s a simple switch like popping into a local family-run bakery to pick up a loaf of bread, or buying a quirky or unique gift from an independent shop instead of from a chain or online, every little bit helps.

By shopping locally you are playing a big part in helping our local business owners and local communities to get back up and running.

Cllr Steve Bowles, Cabinet Member for Town Centre Regeneration at Buckinghamshire Council said: “Small businesses are the heart of communities and town centres across our county and they will be at the centre of the recovery.

"They are facing a really tough time right now and the coming weeks and months will be crucial for many of them. So now’s the time to show your local area some love and support our local businesses.

"Whether it’s the local greengrocer, baker, a farm shop or your neighbourhood gift shop – they were there for us during lockdown and now they need our support to get back on their feet if they are going to survive and thrive going forwards.”

Here's eight reasons to visit your high street and support a local Buckinghamshire business:

1. Support the local economy

Shopping at local businesses pumps money into the local economy, and by spending money in your local shop, restaurant, café or pub, you’ll be doing your bit to help our recovery in Buckinghamshire.

2. Save jobs – and create even more

Supporting our local businesses means people are more likely to keep their jobs and can help our local businesses flourish to create new jobs in our local communities. That can mean that it’s easier for young and disadvantaged people to find employment. Helping to grow the number of jobs in our local areas makes for a better place for us all to live and work, which then creates a healthy economy for the wider community.

3. Great deals

You might be surprised to see just how competitive the prices are in your local shops. Independent retailers often reward regular customers, while others often provide great deals that can’t be found in major outlets – so you can save money as you spend. During August you can also save money when you’re eating out. The Eat Out to Help Out discount scheme is being provided by the Government, so that you can get up to £10 per head discount on eat-in meals on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in one of the many participating cafes, bars and restaurants throughout Buckinghamshire.

Find the places near you where you can get the Eat Out to Help Out discount. https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/eat-out-to-help-out/find-a-restaurant/?_ga=2.177984613.1193502051.1597077886-2016689726.15851310324. A safe way to shop

Businesses across Buckinghamshire have been following government guidance and implementing a range of measures to ensure people are safe while they shop, such as customer limits inside the store, plastic partitions at tills and hand sanitising stations.

5.At the heart of your community

A thriving high street and local businesses are key to boosting the potential of the village or town where you live. People can socialise as well as shop on their local high street. Local businesses also generate revenue to support council services such as libraries, parks and roads that benefit all of us.

6. Spoilt for choice

Small and local businesses often stock items which are made locally and aren’t available elsewhere else. You can find some unique products and items that aren’t mass produced.

7. A better shopping experience

Small businesses are often run by people who live nearby. As the UK continues to recover from the pandemic, the experience of buying locally from a friendly face is a little bit of normality that many people may have missed during the months of national lockdown.

8. Help the environment

Local shops often source their goods locally which not only helps other local businesses, but significantly reduces their carbon footprint. It’s easier to walk or cycle when you shop locally too, so you’ll be doing your bit to reduce air pollution, reduce traffic and improve air quality