Epping Forest Guardian launches #lovelocalbusiness campaign

Supported by Epping Forest MP, Dame Eleanor Laing, our #lovelocalbusiness campaign encourages readers to support local traders by spending money with them.

Many 'non-essential' businesses reopened on Monday, June 15 after more than two months closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, while places such as pubs, and hairdressers will remain closed until July per government rules.

The campaign also encourages readers to shop at businesses which have been able to remain open during the lockdown, as many have seen a significant loss in income.

Epping Forest Guardian sales director, Vicky Wright, said: “I am delighted that we are running a sustained campaign outlining the importance of using local business, at what is a crucial time for so many businesses.

“We reach a huge percentage of the local population across our well established regional brands and, through a combination of combining our loyal print publications, record online audiences and market leading engagement via our social media channels, we are really confident that we can be the marketing partner of choice for local businesses during this crucial period.

Epping Forest Dame Eleanor Laing welcomed the campaign and called for residents to get behind local businesses and support them in a safe manner.

She said: “I am delighted that all shops are now able to open in Loughton, Epping, Chigwell, Buckhurst Hill, Waltham Abbey, Theydon Bois and the surrounding area.

“The pandemic has had a huge effect on everyone and I believe it is vital that we support our local businesses and high street by making sure we get out and shop. It is, of course, imperative that we keep the virus under control and that is why we must adhere to strict social distancing guidelines when out and about. This is the way to start our economic recovery while continuing to protect people from the dangers of the virus."

Epping Forest District Council officials also welcomed the news, highlighting a series of social distancing measures put in place to help keep high street shoppers safe.

An EFDC spokesperson said: “Epping Forest District Council supports local business and re-starting the local economy is one of our top priorities.

“Our service directors were out and about in High Streets across the district on Monday talking to shopkeepers and other businesses. They will be returning later in the week to see how trading is going.

“A new discretionary top-up grant for businesses was launched last week for those small businesses that lost out in the first round of Government grants because they didn’t meet the criteria. Information and an application form are available on our website

“Social distancing stickers have been put down on Epping High Street and more are available for other towns in the district.

“Other measures are in the pipeline in partnership with Essex County Council, but are not finalised yet."

“We will continue to do everything we can to help the local economic recovery.”

Vicky Wright added: “We are really banging the drum for local businesses from all sectors including retail, hospitality and leisure and encouraging our loyal readership to show their support by shopping local. Any business which wants to be featured in our campaign, call 01923 206551 or email vicky.wright@localiq.co.uk”

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