Norfolk’s independent businesses are the backbone of our local economy but to say they have been severely impacted by the pandemic is an understatement, and put simply, George Freeman’s words, (MP for Mid Norfolk), are not to be taken lightly;
“Covid has hit our High Streets and local, independent businesses incredibly hard over the past year. That’s why, if we are to ‘Build Back Better’ and ensure we have a strong Norfolk economy with thriving towns and vibrant villages, we must do all we can to shop locally and support our local entrepreneurs. If we don’t ‘use them’ now, we will inevitably ‘lose them’ – potentially forever.”
Buy Local Norfolk is a social enterprise working with our member businesses to promote, assist and connect them. Glynn Burrows, Chairman of Buy Local Norfolk (BLN) says, “As an organisation, we believe in the importance of supporting our local, independent businesses to help keep money circulating within the local economy and to ensure that there are more local job opportunities today and for future generations.”
We are so proud of the way our member businesses have risen to the challenges presented by the pandemic, not only continuing to adapt and run their own businesses but by finding the time and a multitude of ways to support their local community as well. You can read some of those stories here.
We, as Buy Local Norfolk, worked hard to find ways to best support our members throughout these turbulent times, adapting and innovating our ways of working and bringing new ideas to life quickly and effectively as a team.
For instance we knew people still needed to connect, not only for business but on a personal level too, so we quickly moved from in-person meetings to a virtual platform to continue to offer our monthly networking. We also used our private members group to offer ‘check ins’ on an adhoc basis when we felt these were needed.
Our members also needed assistance with things like selling online, which overnight had become the safest way to shop. Our directors recognised that setting up an online shop was beyond the funds, time, and expertise of many of our members, and so pulled together to set up shop,buylocalnorfolk.org.uk as a free selling platform for our members and we did that in record time!
Without our usual face to face events to engage with and promote our members, such as the Royal Norfolk Show, the Directors also made the decision to take on their first employee; Missy Dunning. A key part of Missy’s role is to help connect with and promote our members online and in person where possible and work with them to look at other ways we could assist them. This has proved very successful and dramatically increased our online presence, benefiting the brand and raising our members profiles as BLN member, Mary Doggett of ETT Photography kindly noted;
“Buy Local Norfolk provides an incredible support to small businesses, not just with networking opportunities, but also with proactive social media marketing on your behalf. I was amazed at the number of posts that the group sent out on my behalf c/o the wonderful Missy. I can't wait to meet members in person - hopefully not long now. But wonderful to be part of such a growing brigade of great Norfolk businesses!”
With that in mind, this year we are going to celebrate Norfolk Day by taking ‘BLN on Tour’ visiting an array of fantastic local businesses and the inspirational people behind them. As part of this, on Norfolk Day itself we are inviting you all to come join us for our FREE networking event on 27th July at College Farm B&B and Wedding Venue!
You can view event full details and book your place here
The uptake for our in person networking has been phenomenal and a clear sign that people are eager to get together in person again! We have two further confirmed events for your diary as well;
4th August - BLN Networking - Hosted by Buoyancy Bikes
1st September - BLN Networking - Hosted by Salhouse Lodge Inn
We always love to meet new people and our networking events are the perfect opportunity to learn more about us, hear what our members think and connect with like minded people
Overall, it’s been such a tough and relentless year for many but we have still managed to help our members shine and keep up our community spirit! It has however also been a pivotal year that has indeed brought punishing challenges but has also inspired positive change, innovation, and new opportunities, giving us new ways to work, live and play. Our organisation has many more exciting things in the pipeline, and if you want to be a part of it all then apply to join Buy Local Norfolk today!