Warwickshire County Council’s ten reasons to support small businesses this Christmas

This Christmas, Warwickshire County Council (WCC) is asking the community to shop local and support small businesses across Warwickshire. With the recent news that Warwickshire is now in a Tier 3 lockdown, there are ongoing uncertainties for many small businesses, wondering if they will make it through these further restrictions. For many of the local businesses across the county, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought on a huge amount of financial stress with many businesses seeing a significant loss in sales and revenue.

There are lots of ways you can help out local businesses this Christmas:

• During the tier 3 lockdown restrictions, continue to order takeaways from local restaurants, pubs and coffee shops. Many restaurants are also offering ‘DIY’ kits to create your favourite meals from home.
• Buy some of your Christmas gifts from a local maker. There is a vast range of independent businesses in Warwickshire with some fantastic gifting options from jewellery, ceramics, personalised illustrations and candles through to personalised welly racks, puppets and Christmas decorations! Most local businesses have online shopping and many also offer a click and collect service so you really can support small from your sofa!
• If you’re not sure what to get someone this Christmas, many local businesses are offering gift cards for future use which can also help any small businesses that are struggling at the moment.
• If you can’t afford to buy gifts from a small business, word of mouth can have just as much of an impact. Tell your friends and family about the small businesses and local products that you love or share and tag them on your social media channels.
• When you do support small, remember to leave a review. Many local businesses are sole traders so you can really make someone’s day by leaving a glowing review. It will also help encourage other members of the community to shop with them!

Shopping local means the world to members of your community and there really are just ten simple reasons to shop small this Christmas:

1. Many small businesses are often more eco-friendly than larger organisations as they often use locally sourced materials and recyclable packaging  
2. You are buying a handmade product, made in your own community
3. Local businesses often have unique products that you won’t find anywhere else
4. Shopping local often means better quality products and therefore better value for money
5. By showing your support, the owners behind the small business feel recognised and valued
6. Local businesses make Warwickshire’s towns and high streets unique
7. By shopping local, you’re boosting the economy and helping your community to thrive
8. You’re helping someone to achieve their dreams of running their own business!
9. When you support small, you’re making someone in your own community happy
10. Receive great customer service – small businesses often go the extra mile to make their customers happy including handwritten notes, personalised orders and beautiful packaging

Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Leader of Warwickshire County Council said:

“Warwickshire’s small businesses are at the heart of our communities and town centres. From your local café to the independent gift shop, don’t forget about them this Christmas. Many of them have faced a really tough time this year but there are lots of ways you can help out local businesses across Warwickshire this Christmas. Buy some of your Christmas gifts from a local maker online or in store, grab a takeaway coffee from an independent café and tell your friends and family about your favourite small businesses. Shopping local is more important now, than ever.”