Why is it important to support local businesses?
Economic growth has a vital role to play in improving the health and wellbeing of residents and general living standards.
Local businesses provide employment and economic growth to the local area, impacting significantly on health and wellbeing within the community. Local high streets in particular have a role to play in providing access to services, facilitating social and community cohesion and generating a sense of belonging and pride in place. The Surrey Social Value Model contains four outcomes under the priority growing a sustainable economy.
What practical things can you do?
Community groups, charities and businesses can all play a role in supporting other businesses, especially in local, independent businesses and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Also, specialist support, advice and pro bono consultancy that can be offered by larger business, as well as the option for businesses to work together, sharing back-office functions, office space and other resources.
Here are some practical suggestions for supporting local businesses.
- Promoting local businesses among your own customer base, or via your online presence including social media platforms.
- Use independent, local businesses wherever possible, such as for printing, office suppliers, catering, venue hire, or legal services.
- Providing support or advice on business model and strategy, HR, finance management and other aspects of business operations.
- Providing support or advice on marketing and communications, including support with digital marketing and creating online communities, or even managing a social media channel or offering free website design.
- Developing an ongoing relationship through business mentoring.
- Provide free training in person or online, such as digital skills, environmental sustainability (for example, low carbon practices), workplace wellbeing and mental health.
- Sponsor smaller businesses to join a business network organisation (such as Surrey Federation of Small Businesses or the Chambers of Commerce).
- Support local loyalty schemes work with businesses to develop one in your local area.
The Community Marketplace is platform you can use to ask for the kind of support listed above or to fulfil asks made by originations across the county. The Council expects all suppliers to sign up to and actively participate in the Marketplace.