A big part of From Suffolk With Love’s ethos is to support small businesses and to shop local, says founder Vicki Harris. In her column this month, she reminds us of the reasons to keep supporting businesses such as hers
It’s a tough time for small businesses and it’s sad to see so many have closed their doors over the last few months. It’s a case of use them or lose them! So, here’s a reminder of some reasons to keep supporting us where you can and ways you can do it. Your local small business owner has a lot of passion for their product or service and will want to share that with you. Ask them any questions and you’ll get an enthusiastic response! Much better than chasing an automated phone system in circles or FAQs that never answer your question. You can really get to know the business and the people behind it.
Supporting small means that you get that special original something. No two products or businesses are the same! Nothing mass produced here, all lovingly made or put together, just for you. Your happiness is important to us! Small businesses will go out of their way to help and provide good service. They want you to come back again and again and although we can’t necessarily offer the bargain prices of the big companies, the service will more than make up for it.
Supporting small also makes a difference to the environment. Shopping small and choosing local produce means less pollution as it doesn’t have so far to travel. It also means more money reinvested into your local community, instead of funding a billionaire’s whims and wants!
So how can you support your local business? When you type the thing that you’re looking for into your search engine, try putting your county or town’s name at the front of it and see what comes up. It may be that little more expensive to buy the local product but no doubt it will be better quality and last longer. Instagram is also an excellent place to search for small businesses. Search by hashtag for your item and see what good stuff you can find!
If you are struggling to afford to shop local, and I am absolutely with you in this struggle, you can support businesses instead through their social media. People sharing products and making recommendations is what keeps us small businesses going, so spread the word as much as you can!
As for From Suffolk With Love, I am celebrating my second business birthday this month. Check my social media for discounts throughout the month. To get you started there is 15% off across the website. A goodtime to pick up a Father’s Day gift, perhaps? The Bloke’s Bliss Box (pictured above) and Pick Your Own boxes are popular so far this year.
Visit From Suffolk With Love and The Bloke’s Bliss Box
Featured image: Vicki Harris of From Suffolk With Love
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