We want you to buy local. It isn't just about helping Norfolk businesses compete with the big national chains; choosing a local supplier has real economic, social and environmental benefits to Norfolk as a whole.
Supporting locally owned businesses ensures more money gets re-circulated in the Norfolk economy instead of pouring out to nationally or internationally owned companies. This is not only through your individual purchase - locally owned businesses often purchase from other local businesses and service providers. [1]
The buy local accreditation ensures that all businesses in Norfolk are working with suppliers at a local level.
By shopping locally you will:
- reduce your carbon footprint
- get genuine customer service from people who really value your custom
- potentially buy a unique product you can't find anywhere else
- all this helping to ensure jobs for future generations!
[1] Over 50 per cent of the turnover of independent retailers goes to the local community, compared with just five per cent from supermarkets
(Source: FSB).
It's also about retaining diversity, choice and Norfolk's individuality. A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses ensures innovation and low prices in the long-term. A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.
buy local aims to raise awareness of the wealth of Norfolk businesses out there by providing information about local suppliers and advice on how to spot a genuine local business.