There are many benefits to shopping at larger corporations and investing in household brands, but these advantages rarely go further than “cheaper” products or “faster” delivery. In fact, this may also not be the case when you come to look at local businesses within your area and see that their prices may be better suited to you and your business’s needed. If you are looking to support local businesses but are unsure of all the benefits of doing so, this guide is here to explain the many advantages.
1. Support Your Economy
Small, local businesses can be considered the backbone of the UK economy and what keeps small towns and villages afloat. By supporting local businesses and giving them your business, you are giving back to your community and allowing your immediate area to flourish. Businesses can expand and invest money in their services, which could, for instance, bring in tourism.
If you wish to build a stronger, local community, then be sure to contact the businesses you wish to work with and see whether you can strike a deal. It may be that both businesses can offer something in return such as lower prices for one another or advertise each other’s services.
2. Greater Accessibility
Local businesses can offer greater accessibility, which is essential for certain needs. For instance, if you are in need of a storage unit so that you can safely store your belongings (be it personal or for professional use), then you will want to contact a trusted storage unit that is within your local area. SafeStore, for instance, understands that you will need a storage unit near your immediate location and, therefore, offer many storage options nearby so that you can peace of mind in knowing that your possessions are close to you and safe. SafeStore is also ideal for businesses that may have multiple locations and wish to use the same business for their storage needs. Make sure to contact local businesses so that they can help you as much as possible.
3. More Eco-Friendly
Local businesses are nearer to you. Therefore, they will not have to go far to deliver their product and/or service to you. In fact, a local business could be within walking distance! Supporting a local business will typically be better for the environment, as you will have a smaller carbon footprint. Investing in larger corporations means you are usually shipping products in from afar and you have no idea how their packaging will turn out (it may be very wasteful).
4. Creating Local Jobs
Investing in local businesses can mean a business needs to invest in more employees, creating more jobs for the local community. More jobs in the local area make for a better and more interesting area to live and work in, which will then also create a healthy economy not only for the community but the country as a whole. What’s more, local businesses with solid business opportunities are more likely to pay their employees above the average wage.
5. Improved Customer Service
Of course, not all local businesses are going to have stellar customer service. But a small, local business is more likely to offer you a personal touch and go the extra mile when it comes to ensuring you and your business are happy with the quality of their service and/or product. Remember, chain businesses usually have long queues when it comes to trying to speak to a real person, whereas a local business is likely to offer you real interaction from the get-go.
2021 should be the year you invest in your local businesses. Not only could it be better value for money, but it can also help you build strong business relationships and fuel the local job market.
