New venture throws lifeline to members of Buy Local Norfolk
New venture throws lifeline to members of Buy Local Norfolk
With many small independents still reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, some feared they may not survive a second lockdown. But now, Buy Local Norfolk has stepped in with a new initiative to support its members.
The government’s announcement of a four-week lockdown from November 5 spurred on the Directors of Buy Local Norfolk to take immediate action – the result, an online shop which allows members to carry on selling their goods and services.
So, while independent businesses are currently closing their doors and unable to trade in person, Buy Local Norfolk members can keep the ‘virtual’ doors open by selling their goods and services online.
The Directors, who recognise that setting up an online shop is beyond the funds, time, and expertise of many of its members, have pulled together to set up the shop in record time.
All members can list as many items and services as they wish and it is free to all members during this difficult time.
Buy Local Norfolk Chairman Glynn Burrows runs Norfolk-Tours, a business which has continued to trade, even though the company has experienced massive losses since March. From personal experience, he is all too aware of the problems facing small businesses.
He said: “We want our members to be able to compete with the large online retailers, and we also want to give the people of Norfolk the choice to buy from the shop down the road, even though the physical building has been forced to close its doors to real-life visitors.
“The offering of services on the platform, also makes it possible for people to book such things as pest control, internet provision or accountancy services from local, independent businesses too.”
Fellow Director Peter Bussey of Abacus Accountancy added: “As more businesses are now offering an online selling platform, we thought it would be good to put one in place for the many small members that may not have the resources to set one up.”
Duncan Baker, MP for North Norfolk says: “I’m thoroughly excited to support the launch of Buy Local Norfolk online. As an MP who was brought up working in retail on the high street, I know how much our independent shops mean to local communities. We must do everything we can to support our vital shops as we emerge from the pandemic.”
Broadland MP Jerome Mayhew echoes the call to support local businesses: “Our response to Covid-19 has highlighted the importance of our local communities as never before. Local shops stepped in to provide food and support for many elderly and vulnerable people. When we shop local, we support our business community, protect local employment and keep our economy strong.”
Buy Local Norfolk is a social enterprise that supports businesses which are truly local to Norfolk.
