Focus on Greenwich

Focus on Greenwich ways to make Shop Local work for your business

Spending locally has a huge impact, not just for your individual business, but also to reinvigorate the wider community.

The Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Shop Local: Time Well Spent campaign aims to help our high streets bounce back by encouraging people from the area and beyond to make use of local shops, restaurants, cafes and markets. The campaign is targeting residents and local workers through social media, magazines, e-newsletters, blog posts and press activity. You will also spot ‘Shop Local’ signage around our town centres, including branded banners, shop window stickers, tote bags and other promotional items inspired by the exciting and vibrant character of local businesses in the area.

If you own a high street shop or run a local business, here are five ways that you can maximise the Shop Local campaign:

Coco and Tak from Coco Barclay

1Develop your e-business

If your business isn’t online yet, don’t fret. There are business support programmes which can help you develop your digital skills. Our support programme, run by South-East Enterprise, provides a free bespoke service to businesses in Royal Greenwich.

Find out more: seenterprise.co.uk/services/e-business.

2Engage over social media

Social media is an affordable and accessible way to promote your offer to the community. You could join forces with other shops and businesses to organise crosspromotion of special offers or events in your area.

If your business is in Royal Greenwich, make sure you tag us on social media and use the #ShopLocalRBG hashtag.

Hassan from S.M. Fishmongers

3Promote special offers and discounts

A great way to stand out and get people through the door is to share a special offer. The Greenwich One Card scheme is a good way for businesses in Royal Greenwich to share special offers with people who live, work and study locally. You can even promote time-limited offers to capitalise on increased footfall during seasonal holidays and large events, such as Easter or the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Businesses that sign up to the scheme will receive free promotion through our website and social media.

Sign up at: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/OneCard

4Improve your business network

Running a business can be challenging at times. As Kemi Madumere from Brighter Futures Project says “It’s important to have a support system you can rant to, seek advice from and exchange ideas and just form some really good allies. That kind of network is invaluable.” By working together with other businesses, you can improve your customer’s experience and make the local area stronger. There are a variety of business networking events, workshops, and seminars where you can meet other business owners.

Find out more: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/businessevents

5Create a welcoming atmosphere

Research shows that having a clean and well-maintained business frontage and pedestrian area can boost footfall and encourage customers to shop in your area. We’re inviting shops in the borough to become a Love Your High Street Champion to help improve our high street environment.

Find out more at: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/LoveYourHighStreet

Harish from Hullabaloo Mary Jane from Made in Greenwich

How else can the Council help your business?

In Royal Greenwich, professional advice is available on many aspects of running your business, from tendering for contracts to recruitment and marketing. We also run an e-business support programme to help businesses reach their potential online, which includes free workshops and seminars.

For the latest business news, sign up to receive our newsletter: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/businessnewsletter