What’s On Your Doorstep? 

 

Haven’t we all heard enough of the words “credit crunch” and “recession”?

Everyday the media bombard us with yet another piece of bad news, or another bank or business going under. Naturally, what’s going on does concern us all, but should we not be looking a little closer to home, to the local businesses on our own doorstep, to see how they are coping?

As a business owner in Highworth I am one of many who focus on making strong links with and supporting other local and surrounding area businesses. Unlike large businesses who generally derive their income from being well known national brand names, ‘we’ smaller businesses don’t always get that sort of coverage or as high-paid, ongoing contracts. 

Collectively we can establish long term, sustainable links with the community, building with our customers a more authentic relationship.

Consider your High Street. There may be several empty shops however more recently new shops may have opened. These shops and businesses that do exist are still trading. But for how much longer you might say? That, it could be said, depends largely on you and your commitment to helping them stay in business, to support them through the lean times, so they can emerge at the end of it, as continuing successful businesses.  

Take a look at the different small businesses that do trade in your town. 

There is a vast pool of talent from graphic designers and financial advisors, to gardeners and painters & decorators, to name a few. And even if you don’t know someone who could do a job for you, chances are someone you know will.

It is a common thread among small businesses to network with one another, to not only build business, but also to build business contacts to share or refer work around. It really is that simple. After all you “network” with your family and friends regularly, just as business owners do.

Next time you embark on an idea and need a “specialist” someone to help you create and develop that idea, think about sourcing business locally.

In doing so, you will not only be supporting your local business owners but you will also assist the continuing existence of your community. Without local businesses there will be little or no community.

Swindon is filled with many great and talented individuals, groups and businesses. Together we must support and sustain the town and its business community, now and into the future.