Think local in lockdown to support Dales businesses

We are being encouraged to help ourselves and to support the area’s businesses by taking advantage of goods and services being offered by local shops and traders during the lockdown.

We must all stay at home at the moment except for essential journeys, and many businesses that serve North Yorkshire are able to help by offering Covid-safe local collection or delivery, with many ready to deliver services and shopping directly to customers.

The Buy Local website was developed by North Yorkshire County Council last year at the start of the first lockdown specifically to bring together local customers with county businesses. About 850 North Yorkshire businesses have already signed up to the site. Customers can search for a wide range of goods and services, from groceries to a plumber.

County Council Leader Cllr Carl Les said: “While we all follow the lockdown rules by staying at home, lots of great North Yorkshire businesses are standing by to deliver services and goods to your door.

“There has probably never been a more important time to support local businesses. I would encourage you to shop locally to support jobs and the economy at this difficult time. Please look at our Buy Local website for details of businesses in your area.

“If you are looking for food deliveries, find them on Buy Local. Many farm shops, butchers, grocers and village shops are stepping up to provide essential supplies to those that need them.

“Making small changes to our shopping habits can go a long way to helping to keep local businesses alive so that they can survive and prosper after lockdown. Our local supply chains are essential to support our local communities and high streets.”

Sharon Davis is founder of Dales PR and Marketing and Dales Business Women networking group and recommends Buy Local to both shoppers and businesses.

“Even though many businesses can’t trade as they normally would, there are many who are selling in alternate ways, be that a takeaway service, online, vouchers, online consultations,” she said. “This might be the lifeline that keeps them going and local support is more important now than ever.

“When buying something, stop and think of local businesses who supply the same service. Also, are you able to buy a voucher now from a small business and give it as a gift to a loved one later in the year? The Buy Local website is an ideal resource for finding new local businesses. With more than 850 listed, you’re bound to find many selling goods and services you need.

“If you’re a business, then please do use this resource as you never know, you may get a few sales through it and every single penny counts right now.”

You can also hear Sharon's podcast on Dales Radio when the Dales Christmas Market was launched to help Dales businesses in the run up to Christmas