The most obvious way to support independent businesses is by shopping with them. Whether you are buying a birthday gift or even a greetings card, the money that you might spend with a national retailer is much better spent with a local business.

2. Write a positive review

This is an action that you can take right now! If you have eaten at a local restaurant or bought a gift from an independent shop or website, make sure you leave a good review on their Facebook, TripAdvisor or Google My Business Page. It doesn’t cost you any more money but it helps reinforce that they offer an excellent service and will encourage other people to shop with them. It’s also really nice for business owners to read positive feedback!

If you don’t have a good experience, instead of going straight to social media to have a moan, take it up as a private conversation with the business owner. This is much more productive and less damaging. Not everyone can get everything right all of the time, but they can improve their service and offer solutions if you contact them directly.

3. Spread the word

Word of mouth is one of the best free marketing tools out there. Tell your friends, family and colleagues about them and recommend independents when people ask you for recommendations. Again, this is another way to support independent businesses that doesn’t cost you a penny.

4. Engage on social media

I’m speaking as an experienced marketeer here – engaging on social media WORKS. All it takes is a little double tap! Social media algorithms work based on what content you engage with most, so when you follow a local business, do a little bit of backdated engagement. It means that their posts will show up on your newsfeed. On platforms like Facebook, if you like or comment on a post, it will often pop up in your friends’ newsfeeds so it helps other people discover local business too.

5. Support independent initiatives

There are lots of people across the UK just like me who are really passionate about supporting independents. Just a Card is a great campaign founded by Sarah Hamilton who saw the quote “If everyone who’d complimented our beautiful gallery had bought ‘just a card‘ we’d still be open.” They offer support and networking for independent business owners across the UK. You can support them by buying a pin badge or displaying a banner somewhere on your website.

Independents’ Day UK was a new initiative last year and is a campaign that independent retailers in various sectors across the country use to promote their business online. It’s taking place on 4th July so get involved by pledging to support or buy from an independent business on the 4th.

If we don’t support local businesses – that’s it. It is only by consciously shopping with and supporting independent businesses we can make a real difference to our local economy and help them survive and thrive after their extended period of closure.

Its one reason why we’re proud to be able to host so many independent retailers right here at Moss End Garden Village – visit us to day and discover a unique shopping and leisure experience.