When lockdown begins on Thursday, many local businesses will be forced to close as non-essential, or to carry on online as a mail-order/click and collect service.

Whilst big chains might be able to weather the storm by relying on reserves, small independent shops might struggle to hang on until December.

It’s really important that, when we can, we buy our takeaway food or coffee, books, gifts and anything else from independents. Big multinational corporations may sometimes be cheaper, but you know when you buy independent that the money is going directly to families and friends rather than to making even more profit for corporation shareholders and owners.

Over the course of lockdown I will be featuring local businesses on my social media.

If you would like me to promote your business, please get in touch, ideally with a photo and brief blurb about what you do and how to contact you.