As many of us know we all like the convenience of the local shops when we need something small. The problem is if we don’t continue to support these local businesses we will be without them and they will disappear for good. Many independent businesses are not having and easy time of it at the moment despite what you read in the papers. (I know this as I’ve spoken to most of them) I think many consumers are under the impression that if we go to larger outlets or out of area the prices may be lower. Unfortunately by the time you have travelled there and paid for parking etc the price, if it was in fact any lower becomes clearly more expensive. There is also the extra cost of wear and tear on your vehicle.

 If the local independent/small businesses do disappear you will then have the larger chains starting to dictate the prices, as they will be the only outlets you will be able to buy from. This is really not a good situation to be in and could cost everyone greatly!

 Another issue is that the majority of us have never been in business so therefore have no real concept of what costs are really involved.  For example a small retail shop in the market square in Ely is £15,500 per year rent. The business rates are a further £5000 per year. That equates to £20,000 you have to outlay for what is basically an empty space. This is without a £15,000 per year salary for just 1 member of staff and   excludes stock, electric, water and gas etc. If we all support the our local businesses they will then have more buying power and more than likely be considerably cheaper than the larger out of area outlets. You also get excellent customer service from smaller and independent companies which is what we all want after all.

 I have been doing quite a lot of undercover work. I posed as a customer asking lots of question and in some cases I was quite and awkward customer. I must say I was very impressed with the customer service and attitude I received from all the shop staff I encountered throughout the local area.

 Our area offers some of the very best skilled workmen, Carpenters, Plumbers, Painters, Electricians etc. I am lucky enough to know quite a few of them. There is without a doubt no reason at all to go out of area for any of these.

Come on everyone “KEEP IT LOCAL”