Last week saw us run our very own campaign to support local, independent businesses, to raise the profile of the independent traders and to shout about the fabulous shops and services that they provide to people like you and I.

Last week was "BUY LOCAL" week.

Where better an example of a close knit business community than in Ramsbottom where the businesses really support one another and work together to ensure they are a town recognisable far and wide, a town that attracts tourists, a town that run their very own monthly business meetings and some fantastic high profile events where people come from far and wide to visit.

So, we gathered together some of the town's very best businesses for a fabulous photo opportunity. We had Purple Tiger, The Hugry Duck, Blugum Gifts and The Chocolate Cafe. There was Tiddlywinks Nursery, Room 54, Bev's Barbers and Sue Ryder as well as Highfield Florists, new store Love Shoos, A & L Music and the president of the Rotary Club, who all came out in force to show their support of BUY LOCAL. Also present was Ramsbottom photographer Martin Stembridge who was hijacked to stand behind the lens to take the photo - well, it would have been rude not to!

This is a group of local business owners who are passionate about growing their businesses and supporting the local community to ensure that Ramsbottom continues to thrive and grow - despite having 3 supermarkets in town.

So why use our local independent businesses?

Why, because by using people like Purple Tiger, Bluegum Gifts and many other fantastic businesses in your local town you are able to source some amazing products and services.

You get a personal service from an individual that is passionate about what they do, and that knows their products.

You are getting the opportunity to buy one off, unique gifts and fresh produce.

You are supporting local people, not the fat cats. You are supporting local farmers and other producers who supply to your local area - the butcher, the veg shop and the milkman - yes they do still exist and they supply to our local shops, some even to your doorstep!

We have distinctive and wonderful independent shops and businesses in our area, but we shouldn’t ever take them for granted.

Alison Vinden of Room 54 said "It's important to support local businesses. You get unique products and friendly staff and between all the shops here in Ramsbottom you really don't have to venture out of town. People go out of their way to be helpful and you'll always find something different"

President of the Rotary Club Trevor Hoyle also said "There's a difference in attitude in the shopkeepers in a town like this, it's a close knit community. They all provide a personal service that you simply don't get in the big stores"

Although last week was our official promotion week we are very aware that this is a campaign that will continue to be an important part of what we do - thebestofbury are "all about local".

We want to see the high street thrive and grow and be here for many years to come, so we ask you all to do your bit and support as many independents as you can.

SPEND LOCAL, BUY LOCAL, EAT LOCAL.

If you are a local business and would like one of our window stickers to display then simply call us on 01706 281320 and we'll get one to you.