Residents urged to get behind businesses and shop local
16 October 2020
Residents in Solihull are being urged to shop locally, as part of a new campaign backed by major organisations in the borough.
The ‘Support Local’ campaign is a collaboration between the Council and Solihull Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, Shirley Marketing Group, Solihull Bid, Visit Knowle, Touchwood, Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre and has a focus on small and independent retail businesses on Solihull’s high streets.
Independent retailers and businesses are also being encouraged to promote their own services to residents.
The council is urging businesses to follow its social media accounts, and post about their business and products using #SupportLocal.
Businesses should email business@solihull.gov.uk with their business name, business information (including what you do, business website, and social media handles) to receive key updates.
Send in a picture business@solihull.gov.uk which highlights the staff, the business and/or the products and services, which the council will post on its Instagram The most creative and funny picture will win a free year’s membership for the Solihull Chamber of Commerce.
The winner will be selected and announced on 5 December to coincide with small business Saturday.
Businesses are also encouraged to join the local networking hour for Solihull on Twitter #SolihullHour, every Tuesday from 7-8pm which is ran by Solihull Chamber of Commerce.
Lillian Elekan, head of Solihull Chamber of Commerce, said: “In Solihull, we are incredibly lucky to have some fantastic local businesses, providing a myriad of services and products to thousands of residents and visitors.
“They, like many others, have been hit hard by the Covid crisis, and now, perhaps more than ever, need our support.
“We cannot let our local retailers and high street down, they are crucial to this town’s future. So, I would consumers to get out and spend where they can, shop local and get to know some of the outstanding retailers that are a part of Solihull.
“Retailers must also work together and help each other where they can, promote their services via the council’s selfie competition, via the Chamber’s dedicated Solihull Hour on Twitter and of course, reach out to the Chamber and the Council if they need further support or guidance.”
Cllr Grinsell (pictured) deputy leader of Solihull Council, said: “It is important we use our high streets and town centres now more than ever – without local support it may not be there in the future. We are aware that some residents may feel unsure about venturing into their local town centres that is why we are continuing to work closely with businesses to ensure they are Covid-19 secure.
“And we understand that businesses have also felt a sense of uncertainty during these last months, which is why we are encouraging them to engage with us and residents through this campaign.
“We want to know if they can offer a local speciality which an online retailer or supermarket can’t stock, we want to know about how they’re helping their local community.
“Ultimately we want to make sure that we maintain thriving high streets for residents to use in years to come, keeping Solihull a place that people want to live, work and visit.”