How to support local businesses during Coronavirus

Local communities are very important to all of us.  Of course there are economic benefits that come from having a thriving community but it’s so much more than that.  Local communities provide families and businesses with great benefits, a sense of well being and support that can’t be bought. We should all do our part to keep our communities as healthy as possible.

At Prontaprint our goal has always been to support our community wherever we can but now it is more important than ever.  Local support is contagious and we want to do all we can to support other small businesses to do the same.

As a community, if we fail to support businesses in our area, especially during this worldwide crisis, then those are the very faces that will be impacted if a business has to make redundancies or close.

Economic benefits

The economic benefits from supporting your local area are obvious, each small business purchases supplies and services often from nearby businesses you don’t see. And, locally-employed families tend to spend more of their money in the community, too. As such, those pounds keep circulating and re-circulating in our local economy.

When a consumer supports their local business owners, they enjoy benefits they can’t possibly get from shopping at national chains. Money stays within our area which keeps our friends and neighbours working and able to support their friends and families which in turn helps us all in the long run.

However there are many other positive benefits for supporting local businesses that we want to champion.  Once a business is lost then the fabric of our society changes and the struggle to replace it will be felt long into the future.

Online isn’t always best

You may believe that only the best deals can be found online, from the plethora of adverts we see many deals seem too good to be true and often this is the case.  You may be surprised at just how competitive the prices are in your neighbouring shops and businesses.  Independent companies can actually provide similar deals, if not better.  Why don’t you find out what your local area can offer you first before going online.

Local charities benefit more

Many local businesses support charities in their area so by shopping locally you are helping to increase the local charity donations in your area.  Of course large chains support charities too and there is no right or wrong here but if you prefer small local charities then buying locally is often a great way to show your support for them.

People! 

Local businesses are run by local people, not boards, stockholders or algorithms.  Each adding their own character to the community, a touch of warmth and a welcoming personality.  This natural authenticity will always be more popular than a national chain.

Customer Service

You can’t beat the personal touch of a local owner who knows everyone in the neighbourhood.  They can offer you products suitable for you, your house and even your area.  Relationships are built between owners and customers that go further than just a purchase.  Often local shops stock an inventory based on their own customers’ choices rather than national trends ensuring that you can find what you want rather than finding what they want to sell you.

Healthier environment

Choosing a local company can have a more positive impact on the environment.  The majority of local companies are found on the high street and are within walking distance, rather than a drive away to the nearest large shopping centre.  If more people chose to shop local than choosing to drive to superstores then air pollution would be considerably reduced, traffic would reduce and the quality of the nations high streets would improve.

Here’s what you can do to support your local businesses during coronavirus;

• Tell your friends and family about them
• Leave a 5 star review online
• Follow them on social media
• Visit their website and read their blog
• Share one of their social media posts
• Buy a gift card or voucher
• Like or make a nice comment on their social media
• Order a takeaway from a local restaurant or pub
• If you buy something post a photo of it on your social media and tag the business.
• Join local Facebook groups to see what is available to buy locally
• Keep your subscription
• Tip a little more than usual
• Make a future booking in a restaurant or pub
• Ask them “How can I help?”
• Look out for each other

We all want to live in a happier and healthier community so supporting our local community will contribute to this sense of belonging and community spirit.  Put your money where your house is and buy local now before our communities are lost.