If every household in the county spent just £10 with Worcestershire businesses, the local economy could be boosted by around £2.5m this Christmas.
As the festive season gets underway, many small businesses will be opening their doors for the first time in weeks and the next month will prove crucial. Many local businesses have also adapted their services to offer delivery and postage options, meaning Worcestershire residents can continue to support independent businesses without having to leave their homes.
Worcestershire County Council is encouraging people to shop locally and to support their high street in the run up to Christmas. Small Business Saturday, which aims to champion the UK’s small independent businesses, will also be taking place on December 5.
Councillor Ken Pollock, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member with Responsibility for the Economy and Infrastructure, said:
“The lead up to Christmas is a crucial time for many small businesses, particularly during such challenging circumstances. We are incredibly proud of the ways in which our local business community has continued to adapt their services in recent months, and now it’s time to give back by shopping locally and supporting your local high street.”
Sharon Smith, CEO of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, said:
“The value and importance of small and medium sized businesses within the Worcestershire business community is indescribable. Where possible, I encourage all shoppers to visit their favourite local businesses over the next few weeks and the Christmas period. I have no doubt that as a county we can come together to show support and solidarity to Worcestershire businesses in their time of need.”
In Worcestershire, 99.7% of business are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
As well as the direct £2.5m boost, it is also estimated that for every £1 spent with local businesses, around £1.60 goes back into the area’s economy.
Worcestershire County Council is also continuing to support local businesses with the Here2Help Business Programme, which was set up in response to the pandemic to help businesses recover, adapt and develop.
As part of this, the Adapt Programme offers free one-to-one business advice sessions with expert advisors in the three critical areas of business planning & finance, technology, and marketing & digital communications. All businesses in Worcestershire can receive up to three hours of specialist support.