PR Date: Tuesday, 19 January 2021 - 2:45pm
North Herts District Council (NHDC) is launching a new campaign to encourage residents to make a New Year pledge to support local businesses by shopping online during lockdown.
The pandemic has had a huge impact on shops, pubs and restaurants, but NHDC is hitting back with its Shop Safe, Shop Local campaign.
Cllr Keith Hoskins, North Herts District Council’s Executive Member for Enterprise and Co-operative Development, North Herts District Council, explains. “Every year we make a New Year’s resolution to lose weight, get fit etc, but in 2021 it’s vital we also support our own communities. By buying your meat from a local butcher, or ordering a takeaway from a local café or restaurant, you will provide much-needed support to your local community.”
During the pandemic towns across the region from Hitchin to Royston have worked tirelessly to offer shoppers an online experience. Many retailers now offer online shopping; whilst many cafes and restaurants are offering takeaways.
The latest research* reveals that for every £1 spent with a local, independent business, between 50p-70p circulates back into that local economy. That’s why this Shop Safe, Shop Local campaign is encouraging residents to shop safe and buy local wherever they can.
Cllr Hoskins, adds: “We all love our High Streets, but we all need to do our bit to support local businesses. It’s simple, we have to buy from local retailers and order takeaway services otherwise we lose them! I would urge residents to support local businesses during the pandemic by purchasing local goods and services online.”
The Shop Safe, Shop Local campaign is part of the North Herts Reopening the High Streets Safely Programme.
How to shop safely:
- Make a pledge to support local businesses throughout 2021.
- Shop online from your local High Street retailer wherever possible during lockdown.
- Give yourself a treat and order a takeaway.
- When shopping for essential goods and services abide by the physical distancing signage – remember to keep two metres.
- In-store wear a face covering at all times.
- Wash your hands and use hand sanitisers if shopping for essential goods.
- Handle as few things as possible, only pick-up what you want to buy.
- When you’re making a purchase use a card and don’t forget to bring your own bag.
- Avoid crowds and if there’s a queue, call back later.
- Remember if you have any Covid-19 symptoms you must self-isolate.
To find out more about the latest Covid-19 news in your region, www.northherts.gov.uk/shopsafe.
The RHSS NHDC project is receiving up to £118,251 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.
*Independent Retailer Month.
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