Shop Local Week begins to help businesses get back up and running

Shop Local Week, a new campaign by the government, has kicked off today (10 August).

The government has urged the public to visit their local high street this week help local business owners and local communities bounce back from the pandemic impact.

“Business owners have done an incredible job so far to welcome shoppers back safely, and I hope people across the country will do their bit this week to help our high streets bounce back to protect jobs and support local communities,” Business Secretary Alok Sharma said.

As part of the campaign, which will run till 16 August, the government has provided resources and support to small businesses to help them engage local customers. Customers are also encouraged to share their positive experiences of returning to local businesses on social media.

“Shop Local is an important campaign to encourage more people to return to shopping locally, in a way that is safe and gives them confidence,” commented Michelle Ovens, director of Small Business Saturday UK and founder of Small Business Britain.

“Small businesses are facing a really tough time, but they are also at the forefront of responding to this challenge and evolving these much-loved centres into places that enrich communities and add value to people’s lives. Now is the time to show your local area some love.”