EAT LOCAL, DRINK LOCAL, SHOP LOCAL and SUPPORT LOCAL this Christmas

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS THIS DECEMBER

It’s tough out there in retail and hospitality, as well as in pretty much every other type of business. Our local economy and all our local businesses and charities rely on us all to help them survive, so this Christmas, please go to local gift fairs and school fairs, and choose your high street over the internet and out of town retail parks and shopping centres when it comes to getting your Christmas shopping done. 

On Saturday, December 7th it is officially “Small Business Saturday” and through the whole of December it would be great if you chose to not just shop, but eat and drink locally too, by holding your Christmas catch-ups, office lunches and drinks in your local restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars.

When you shop, eat and drink local, you are:

Supporting the local economy, helping to create jobs, keep money circulating in the local economy, and investing in your community.  Local businesses also spend money at other local businesses, which helps stimulate the economy. 

Supporting local businesses, especially during these uncertain and difficult economic times. 

Reducing your environmental impact by helping to reduce your carbon footprint and air pollution. Local businesses often source their products from local manufacturers and growers, which reduces the need for long-distance transportation and fossil fuel usage. 

Improving your community: Shopping local and using local businesses can help improve public infrastructure and make your local area a nicer place to live. 

We have so many wonderful local businesses in the Oxted area, so please EAT LOCAL, DRINK LOCAL, SHOP LOCAL and SUPPORT LOCAL this Christmas (and the rest of the year too!). Thank you!

By Sophie Martin