There once was a time when local business was shown as being behind the times and parodied for sometimes being scary places to visit. Well, that impression has been long-forgotten as many businesses have gone online. The recent pandemic has also made people feel closer to their community.
Research from Google and YouGov has revealed that 71% of Brits who celebrate Christmas are more willing to embrace different habits this year, including shopping more locally.
So how can your business take advantage of supporting local businesses this Christmas?
1. The Staff Christmas Party
It’s not too late to rethink the work Christmas party instead of giving it a miss this year. Many people are moving to online entertainment or food deliveries to bring their team together.
What better way of doing it than using local suppliers or even see if your ‘usual do’ will cater.
2. Buy local for your staff and customers
Many businesses have gone through hardship this year, including local restauranteurs and retailers. What better way to support your local community than looking to independent businesses to supply your annual Christmas gifts to your customers or maybe your staff?
Independent Birmingham offers a whole list full of amazing local offers for your business to make the most of. And even if you’re not in the fortunate position to buy presents this year, it’s worth getting to know what is on offer for the future.
3. Move your business to local suppliers
A good strategy for staying close to your community is through moving your business purchasing to local suppliers. 72% of industrial Business to Business buyers prefer to purchase locally.
With it comes a whole host of potential positives – improved speed to market, greater control, and ease of maintaining ethical integrity to name a few.
4. Focus on local networking
Even if your target market isn’t based locally, networking with local businesses can provide you and fellow businesses with a whole host of partnership opportunities and a greater awareness of the local economy.
Becoming a member of your local Chamber of Commerce is a great way to expand your address book immediately and give you a platform for public engagement. This not only brings you potential opportunities but offers them up to others too.
The Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce offers a comprehensive list of the ways it can help your business build connections.
4. Join community programs
By joining business support projects and community programs you can find businesses that share similar challenges to yourself and work on them together.
Our Business strategy workshops and Higher Level Skills Match project both offer a whole host of events and platforms focused on sharing ideas in order to solve a problem. Whether that be addressing a skills need or improving your marketing plan.
Find out more about our local programmes to drive your business growth:
