The ever changing and challenging economic times continue to provide businesses with difficult trading conditions and this climate is taking its toll on businesses across the UK. Bishop’s Stortford has seen its fair share of casualties. Many Bishop’s Stortford residents find themselves frustrated – and sad – when they discover that a local shop or business has closed down. They may not have used that business each week or month, but it was always there, like a good loyal friend when they needed it. Now more than ever local businesses need their community to get behind them and back them.

‘Buy Local Week’ 3rd – 9th June is a national campaign supported by us (The Best of Bishop’s Stortford). As a local company that champions recommended independent businesses in the area, we are always aware of the challenges local business owners face. Whether that is issues around parking or continually rising rents and business rates, let alone the rapidly changing competitive landscape driven by the internet.

Central to the Buy Local campaign is a focus on encouraging local people to do more for Bishop’s Stortford and to understand and consider the impact of what their buying behaviour can have on the local economy. Ian McCulloch, the local bestof Bishop’s Stortford champion explains:

“We have some fantastic shops and businesses in Bishop’s Stortford. It is imperative that we really start to use local shops and suppliers –if we don’t use local shops and suppliers in this current economic climate, we stand a very good chance of losing more. The purpose of the ‘Buy Local’ campaign is to rejuvenate people’s local connections and remind us that where we spend our money really matters. We can’t go around complaining about what Bishop’s Stortford has to offer and then go shopping elsewhere. You can find most goods and services in town.”

Ian adds:

“The businesses in Bishop’s Stortford need our support and commitment in terms of attitude and real spend. Spending money locally means a healthier local economy and a more vibrant high street. Look out for the Buy Local stickers, posters, flyers, balloons, shopping bags and bunting over the next few weeks. We know that we can’t make people change how they spend. But what we do want to do is encourage people to recognise how much our local businesses contribute to their communities, and how soulless local life would be without them."

How you can support Buy Local:

• Pledge your support on this website (www.thebestof.co.uk/bishopsstortford) during Buy Local week. Every day, for 7 days, 5 lucky supporters will win £100 to spend at a great thebestof local business. Get pledging and it could be you!

• Recommend a local business – tell us about a local business that has pleased you and why. Email us and they will be placed in a prize draw to win a year’s The Best of Bishop’s Stortford membership

• Display the Buy Local sticker in your car, business or shop window

Hertford and Bishop’s Stortford MP and Mark Prisk has given his backing to the campaign commenting,

“I'm a big fan of the Buy Local campaign. It’s good for our town centre, it’s good for small firms and it’s great for local producers. Bishop's Stortford has an excellent range of local shops, restaurants and entertainment, as well as being a town with real character. So there's every reason to buy local”.

It’s also fantastic to have the support of the Bishop’s Stortford chamber of Commerce and Retail Association.

To get a Buy Local sticker or to get more involved, just email us (bishopsstortford@thebestof.co.uk) or call 01279 216 379 – there’ll be plenty happening during that week where a few spare hands will be appreciated!