Introducing Our New Feature: Support Our Independents

04/08/2022

By Lee Nottle

The lingering effects of the pandemic are still being felt by businesses across the UK and globally. The last two years have really taken their toll and, in the wake of the cost of living crisis, what lies ahead for independent businesses is still uncertain. Our high streets up and down the country are suffering and desperately need our support.

Over fifty years ago, the story of Essential Trading began with one independent wholefoods shop – Harvest in Bath – and this store is still trading today. Since then, we have been supplying hundreds of independent businesses and organisations with quality, ethically-sourced produce and whole foods. The independent businesses we work with vary from cafes, restaurants, pubs, delis, bakeries, and charities, as well as community buying groups.

Now, more than ever, we need to support our independents

We know how crucial independent shops and cafes are both to the local communities in which they are located and to the local economy. They are deeply rooted in the fabric of the culture that makes up the places where we live. Research has shown that for every £10 spent with a local independent business, £25 is injected back into the economy. Not only this but nearly half of small business owners have said that if everybody in their local community spent just £5 extra per week, it would help them to stay open in the long term.

Our new feature

To help showcase independent businesses, we are starting a new campaign titled Support Our Independents to promote not only the businesses themselves but the wonderful people behind them. We want to show off our amazing customers and share their stories. This will be published on Essential’s website homepage and social media channels.

Fancy getting involved?

If you are interested in participating in our campaign, we would love to hear from you! We want to represent as many businesses as we possibly can and highlight how diverse independent businesses are. Simply email marketing@essential-trading.coop with Support Our Independents in the subject line and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Our first feature will be on Future Doughnuts, a vegan doughnut and coffee shop based in St. Phillip’s, Bristol.