The Village Office is launching a new Christmas campaign encouraging residents to shop locally and support small, independent businesses in the run-up to the festive season.
The ‘10-Mile Christmas’ campaign is the brainchild of Claire Mitchell, known as The Garden Editor, who makes a conscious effort to buy everything she needs for Christmas within her local area, ideally from small and independent businesses.
From gifts and wrapping paper to cards, food and decorations, the aim is to keep Christmas spending close to home and help local businesses benefit from the festive season.
While buying absolutely everything locally is not always possible, the campaign highlights how even small changes to shopping habits can make a real difference to independent businesses and the communities they serve.
The Village Office is now inviting small businesses within 10 miles of its premises to get involved by submitting an advert promoting their Christmas products, services or offerings.
Adverts should be supplied in A5 size, either landscape or portrait, and can be emailed to hello@thevillageoffice.co.uk or delivered by hand to The Village Office at 25 High Street.
The adverts will begin appearing in the office window from 2 November, giving residents the opportunity to discover local businesses and find inspiration for their own Christmas shopping. The Village Office will also promote participating businesses through its Facebook page.
Businesses are encouraged to give their adverts a festive feel, keep the information clear and concise, and include a QR code linking to their website or online shop where possible.
All participating businesses must be located within 10 miles of The Village Office, with the team confirming that locations meet the campaign’s requirements.
The initiative aims to encourage more people to think locally when planning their Christmas shopping, helping independent businesses reach new customers during one of the busiest times of the year.
By choosing local where possible, shoppers can help support the people and businesses that make their communities special, while potentially discovering something a little different for Christmas.
Small businesses interested in taking part can send their A5 advert to hello@thevillageoffice.co.uk or drop it off at The Village Office, 25 High Street.