Last October worrying figures were released by the BBC which revealed that shop closures in Croydon had accelerated throughout 2012 (that's even despite Croydon being one of the towns selected as a Portas Pilot town. This was the campaign that was part of the Channel 4 television series, spearheaded by Mary Portas, that aimed to regenerate the high street by providing 12 pilot towns with a £100,000 cash injection to help improve the high street). Something needed to change...

It became clear that it has never been more important for everyone in Croydon to do what we can, both as local consumers and local businesses, to support our local businesses and make Croydon's high street somewhere to be immensely proud of.

Change for the better is slowly beginning to gain momentum. Last week it was announced that a £5.7M high streets improvement programme has been launched in Croydon. The High Streets Project which is part of the London Mayor's £23m investment in Croydon, has been created to deliver an integrated programme of infrastructure, public realm, and business support projects.

And then there's the business rate relief programme we mentioned in our blog last week, which gives business rate relief over the next 2 years to businesses setting up in central Croydon. There are very compelling reasons for business owners thinking of setting up businesses in Croydon to get themselves set up and active, and ride the wave of positive action locally for Croydon.

We already have some fantastic successes to shout about - Matthews Yard, in South End is an excellent example of a local community business that is thriving as a result of support from local residents and businesses. Matthews Yard, who have just celebrated their first year in business, is all about local, with regular art installations and exhibitions from local artists, live music performances from local musicians - even down to the presence of Croydon Radio who rent a room here.

Croydon is definitely on the up now!

And to keep that momentum going, please pledge your support for thebestof's Buy Local week. By buying local, you buy into your community, all of which helps to make it a better place. We don't want empty high streets, empty boarded up shops - we want successful local businesses that deliver that personal touch, great customer service and a happy retail experience.

Buy Local today!