We have urged Hampshire residents to make more conscious shopping decisions in 2024 to support local, independent businesses.
Our farm shop owner and managing director Kayleigh said independent businesses are in dire need of support now more than ever because of the financial pressures they faced in 2023.
Kayleigh, who is a local business advocate in Hampshire, has warned that “many shopfronts and independent businesses will sadly vanish in 2024 if consumers fail to make more conscious and better choices when shopping.”
Kayleigh said independent businesses, suppliers and in particular farmers, are still battling against increased cost pressures.
“The message we have been pushing to local residents is essentially – use it or lose it. We have sadly seen many suppliers and businesses close over recent months and years because they couldn’t fight back against the uphill battle any longer.
“Supporting independent businesses is hugely important to help local economies thrive because a large proportion of the money generated from sales is reinvested into sourcing suppliers, products from other independent businesses and paying people’s wages.
“The pandemic hit local businesses really hard and many are still recovering. But with the support of residents, we can help to repair local supply chains and boost economies within the Meon Valley.
“Around 50 per cent of our revenue is reinvested into local supply chains every year. It is really important that people consider buying directly from local producers to support local supply chains, rather than supermarkets.
“Shopping locally also really helps the environment because of reduced carbon footprint and displaced food miles.
We have called for consumers to make shopping locally a new year’s resolution to support more independent businesses and suppliers across the region.
If you have any questions about supporting us or other local businesses, including our suppliers, please get in touch.
