As part of Wolverhampton’s Shop Local campaign residents are being urged to show their support for city traders on Small Business Saturday (December 5).
The national day of action highlights the success of small enterprises and looks to inspire others to set up their own business.
More than 270 city shops and businesses have already registered their details for the city’s new ‘Shop Local’ website, which has been set up by City of Wolverhampton Council with support from Wolverhampton and Bilston Business Improvement Districts, and other city stakeholders.
And, with shoppers now able to return to non-essential shops under strict coronavirus social distancing guidance, now is the time to get behind your local shops.
If every working adult in the city pledged to spend an extra £5 a week more locally instead of with the major online retailers it would boost the local economy by £780,000 per week – and help keep hundreds of people in employment.
Earlier this week, the council also opened the application process to a new ‘Relight Business Programme’ to support up to 200 micro and small businesses in the city with financial management advice and digital guidance.
It is being run in conjunction with the Black Country Chamber of Commerce and Federation of Small Businesses and details can be found at www.wolvesinbusiness.com.
Council Leader, Councillor Ian Brookfield, said: “The council is supporting Small Business Saturday and encouraging people to shop locally. It is important to support any initiatives that help traders in our city - particularly in the run up to Christmas.
“Having independent retailers and businesses in the city is vitally important to the city’s economy and offer in attracting visitors in the long term. We have a wide variety of small and medium enterprises in Wolverhampton, all offering a unique and friendly service that we are all keen to support so they can bounce back and relight after being hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I would encourage everyone to visit our small and medium businesses this Saturday and do your bit to support your city.”
Cherry Shine, Wolverhampton BID Director, added: “Small Business Saturday gives us a real opportunity to promote our amazing small city centre businesses. Our joint campaign with the city council encouraging people to Shop Local absolutely supports this message too. Our small businesses need us to shop with them and use their services to keep them in business. Our small businesses are what bring individuality to our high streets and centres. If people make a choice to support small businesses whether it be shops, hairdressers, salons, delis, jewellers, gift shops, not to forget our solicitors, accountants and many more, we know we will have done our part to support our local economy. We look forward to all of our small hospitality businesses reopening when they can and encourage people to continue their support.”
Bilston BID Manager, Simon Archer, said: “It's great to see so many businesses have signed up so far for Shop Local. Hopefully on Small Business Saturday and in the build up to Christmas this year even more people will support their local independent retailers.”
Businesses and shoppers should check www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/coronavirus for all the latest coronavirus guidance and support available to them regarding reopening.
