Powys residents are being encouraged to purchase gifts, food, and other festive essentials closer to home this Christmas, to help give local businesses a boost.
Coronavirus has had a damaging effect on the economy and the run up to Christmas offers a great opportunity to support Powys’ business community.
Whether that’s buying turkey from a butcher, veg from a green grocer, or thoughtful gifts from independent traders, there are plenty of ways to shop local this season.
According to a Covid-19 business survey conducted by the council in July, 67% of people said they were worried about their business surviving and 81% said the pandemic had had a severe impact on their business.
In response to this, the council has been running a #SupportLocalPowys campaign since the summer to encourage people to get behind their local businesses and spend their money locally.
Cllr Iain McIntosh, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “Many of us do a lot of shopping in the lead up to Christmas, so it is the perfect opportunity to purchase goods from our local traders.
“It’s been a challenging year for everyone, but especially for small businesses. If we all made a special effort to shop locally where we can this year it will give those businesses a well-deserved boost.
“Powys has some fantastic high streets to choose from with plenty of variety. It can be too easy to rely on the online giants, but by keeping your money in Powys you are supporting local jobs and helping to rebuild our local economy.
“The council continues to do all it can to support businesses. On 1st December we launch a new Christmas social media campaign which will give shoppers some ideas for supporting local this season.”
From 1st December a list of businesses in your local area can be found at www.MidWalesMyWay.com
Help and support for businesses can be found at www.powys.gov.uk/coronavirus/helpforbusinesses
Powys County Council
