SHOPPERS are being urged to help Bradford city centre ‘survive and thrive’ by supporting Shop Local Week from August 8 to 14.

The celebration of local businesses was launched by the Government in 2020.

 

To encourage people to visit the city centre, the Bradford Business Improvement District (BID) – the limited not-for-profit company funded by more than 600 levy-paying businesses and organisations to help promote and develop the city centre – has come up with 11 reasons to shop local in Bradford next week.

The first one is that it supports the local economy. 

The second is that shoppers can benefit from special discounts. The BID's Loyal Free app will feature special offers and discounts from city centre businesses. 

In at three is the chance to win a £50 Bradford City Centre gift card. Throughout August, the BID is running a competition for whoever redeems the most offers/loyalty schemes through the Loyal Free app to win a gift card.

At number four is that it helps to save jobs.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Shoppers have been encouraged to use businesses in Shop Local Week, which runs from August 8 and 14Shoppers have been encouraged to use businesses in Shop Local Week, which runs from August 8 and 14 (Image: Newsquest)

At number five is that it helps to preserve focal points as cities, towns and villages revolve around a commercial core - places for people to socialise, enjoy hospitality, leisure and entertainment, and shop.

The sixth reason to shop local is that it generates funds that go back into the area. Firms pay business rates that support Council services like libraries and roads.

In at seven is that it helps businesses five back to the community. Bradford BID’s 600 business members pay a levy which goes towards the cost of improving the city centre, helping to make it clean and safe.

At eight is that it helps to provide greater choice. It's often underestimated how many  small and local businesses offer a range of products that are unique to them or to the area, locally sourced or hand-made. 

The ninth reason to shop in Bradford is that it's easy to find your way around. The BID's Loyal Free app has shopping and leisure trails that make it simple to find what you're looking for. 

The tenth reason, is that it helps the environment. Goods are often sourced locally and when people shop local, they are also likely to make shorter car journeys.

And the eleventh is that you get a better shopping experience. Local businesses are often staffed by people from the area.

“You don’t have to agree with every reason,” said Nikki, the BID's business engagement officer.

“But, however you look at it, supporting local businesses can only be good for all of us. What better reason is there to support Shop Local Week?”

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