Throughout August, we are running our Community Cheerleader campaign.

It’s where we shout from the rooftops (and blog posts) about the importance of supporting our neighbourhood together.

Here’s part one of our five-part series.

Shopping locally is a powerful way to support our neighbourhood and enjoy various benefits.

By shopping locally, we all contribute to the local economy, support small businesses and build a stronger, more vibrant community.

Here are four great ways to shop locally and why it’s so important:

Independent shops and boutiques offer unique products you won’t find in big chain stores. From clothing and accessories to home décor and gifts, these small businesses provide a personal touch and often source their products from local artisans.

Whether you need a plumber, an electrician or a hairdresser, opting for local service providers helps keep your money within our community. Local tradespeople are often more invested in maintaining a good reputation in their area, leading to higher quality service.

Eating at local restaurants and cafés rather than chains means supporting local business owners, who tend to source their produce locally.

Participating in local events, such as craft fairs, food festivals, school fetes and seasonal markets, is a fun way to support local businesses and discover new products. Community groups and charities often organise these events, so your participation helps fund important local initiatives. They also provide local artisans and entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their talents and grow their businesses.

Money spent locally stays in the community, boosting the local economy. Independent businesses are more likely to reinvest their profits locally, creating a positive cycle of economic growth.

Local businesses often have a smaller carbon footprint than national firms due to shorter supply chains and less packaging.

Local businesses contribute to the unique character of your neighbourhood and encourage a sense of community. They provide opportunities for local people to connect, support each other and build a stronger, more resilient community.