Throughout the last few months, businesses across our community have been heavily impacted by the economic and logistical fall out of the COVID-19 pandemic with some initially inundated with panic buying and supplier issues; some having had to swiftly adapt to provide online and delivery services; and some being forced to close completely.
It has been a hugely challenging time for all, though also great to see that wherever possible, the community has rallied around local business and shopped locally.
In response to this, and with a view to assisting recovery of the local economy, BoA Business and Bradford on Avon Town Council have teamed up to create a BoA Shop Local scheme, aimed at encouraging residents and visitors alike to continue and increase their patronage of local businesses as restrictions are lifted.
Cllr Simon McNeill-Ritchie, Mayor of Bradford on Avon and Chair of the Town Development Committee said:
“The Shop Local scheme is one more way in which we are encouraging our community to pull together out of this unprecedented crisis. And one that we hope will bring long-term benefits to everyone who uses it.”
What is the Shop Local scheme?:
- The Shop Local scheme will offer wallet sized cards which will entitle holders to take advantage of bespoke offers made by participating businesses.
- Holders will be able to find out about current offers via the Explore Bradford on Avon website, alongside the Town Council and BoA Business communications.
- Once launched, residents and visitors to the town will be able to collect cards from the Tourist Information Centre, participating businesses and the Town Council offices.
- The aim is to encourage interest in special offers but also awareness of and spending at local businesses as a whole, which is ultimately good for the whole community.
James Sullivan-Tailyour of The Swan Hotel, a member of the BoA Business association who worked with the Town Council to shape up the project said:
“We have really appreciated all the customers that have supported us during this difficult time and we are very excited about the new Shop Local card and hope that it will build a stronger community and encourage people to shop locally and support their local businesses going forward.”
How businesses can join the Shop Local scheme:
- Businesses in the town wishing to join the scheme should fill out the registration form (see links below)
- Select the option to join the Shop Local scheme and choose the type of offer you want to make to cardholders. It could be a percentage off certain products, something free with a particular purchase, or any other offer, large or small – you decide
- The Town Council will add your business to the relevant section of the Explore Bradford on Avon website: www.bradfordonavon.co.uk and also add your offer to the Shop Local offers section, which will be launched in due course.
- You may already have a regular business listing on the site – if so, please confirm this on your registration form to avoid duplication of information;
- Before the scheme is launched to the public, the Town Council will provide you with a window decal to display (optional) and Shop Local cards to hand out to customers.
- The Town Council (primarily via Explore Bradford on Avon) and BoA Business will keep the public informed of/and where to find out about current offers.
- Businesses are encouraged to use the #ShopLocalShopBoA hashtag on online communications, further enabling users to find out about offers and raise awareness of local businesses in general.
In order to facilitate this project, the Town Council’s Covid-19 communications team have also revisited the Explore Bradford on Avon website; updating and expanding the Shops & Businesses and Eat & Drink listings sections, to help showcase and celebrate all that the town has to offer.
Leader of the Council, Dom Newton, who along with the Mayor and senior officers, has headed up the Town Council’s communications response to the Covid-19 crisis, said:
“So much of our effort around responding to the pandemic has been about the public health elements – but we’ve always been clear that it’s as important to mitigate the economic effects, and local businesses have been hit hard over the last three months.
With many in the town still working from home, it’s also a great time for us all to get to know our local businesses that bit more; to keep money in the local economy, and support sustainable local businesses and supply chains.”
If you would like to register your (BA15 1 or 2) shop or business it is FREE to do so – just fill out the registration form HERE. Hospitality sector Food & Drink businesses can also register their businesses HERE. In both cases, opting into the Shop Local Scheme is optional, though of course encouraged.
The Shop Local cards will be available to residents in the very near future, so please keep an eye on our website, social media feeds and newsletter for further announcements.