Why it's important to Shop Local

As lockdown restrictions ease and non-essential retail and hospitality reopen, now more than ever many are starting to reflect on the ways they could adapt their lifestyles and make positive changes for a more sustainable future. The rapid spread of COVID-19 left our supply chains exposed in a time of crisis, resulting in shortages of vital goods and household necessities that we were all made too aware of. Communities turned to sourcing produce, products and services from their local stores, businesses and farm shops, all excelling to meet the needs of their people in a time of darkness. In the face of adversity, the Cornish community came together and recognised the importance of shopping local.

Rebuilding after the pandemic

As businesses in Cornwall start to reopen and rebuild from the economic shock of the coronavirus pandemic, which has been felt in particular across the tourism, hospitality, fisheries, retail, and cultural sectors, it is crucial that we choose Cornish, buy locally and support all businesses in Cornwall to support the process of restarting our economy.

Did you know that Cornwall is home to 230,000 households if each household spent £15 a week locally on Cornish produce, products or services it would put £179 million back into the Cornish economy each year?

The advantages of shopping local

Why not pop into your local coffee shop on your way to work, rather than stopping at a Costa or Starbucks, not only does it taste better it’s usually a lot cheaper too! As well as simply the price difference of buying locally there is also the uncertainty around where the food on the supermarket shelves has come from. When you shop at your local butcher, fishmonger, bakery and farm shop it is more than likely the food you are purchasing has been harvested, caught, and baked that very week if not the same day. By making simple changes to your routine and making conscious decisions when it comes to purchasing goods and services, not only will you be supporting local farmers and businesses, but you will also be creating relationships with your suppliers and consuming healthier, fresher, less chemically produced food.

Why you should choose to support Cornish business

However, choosing Cornish shouldn’t stop at buying local food, drink, arts and crafts. Next time you are thinking about upgrading your Wi-Fi, choosing a new kitchen, purchasing furniture, or printing signage for your home or business, stop and find out if you can source it in Cornwall. Not only will you receive a more bespoke service as small businesses pride themselves on providing a personalised experience and value for each customer and interaction, but you will also be supporting your community, allowing business to thrive and creating new job opportunities.

Choosing to eat local produce, buying products from your local high street, using Cornish businesses and supporting Cornish business leaders are important steps in supporting the local economy to restart and rebuild. You are also contributing to your community, improving your health and becoming more environmentally friendly.

Discover a wide variety of Cornish businesses you can support

Cornwall Chamber of Commerce and Made in Cornwall have over 600 members that offer Cornish produce, products and services. Explore the vast variety of businesses Cornwall has to offer.

In the meantime, why not take a look at the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce blog? Here you will find inspiration for how to scale your business, local industry updates and all things chamber!

Discover 6 of the best benefits of being a chamber member.