New Milton Advertiser 27th Nov 2020

Friday 27th November 2020 · 27

news@adt.press · advertising@adt.press · 01425 613384

Featuring: SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

Help to create an identity Some local businesses will actually help shape the identity of the area. A high street filled with unique, vibrant and col- ourful shops will attract more tourism and help to make the community a more popular and financially healthier area in which to live and work. There are many towns and vil- lages around the New Forest and elsewhere in Hampshire and Dorset that are known for exactly this.

Customer service and shopping experience Although many chain busi- nesses do have good custom- er service, you can’t beat the personal touch of a local own- er who knows the neighbour- hood. They can offer you a product that is suitable for you, your home and even your area. Building relationships between the local owner and the local customer goes further than just a purchase. Local shops often keep stock based on their own customers’ choices rather than national trends and keep in touch with local desires.

Local government support Some local councils provide tax incentives to encourage nationally-owned companies to set up in their area. How- ever, if these corporations are paying less in taxes it means that local residents are paying more. But when you buy from local companies it lessens individual tax burdens and could create up to 75% more tax revenues for the commu- nity.

e New Forest’s leading centr , o ering you the quality and choice from our own 25 acre nursery.

Small, local businesses are among the largest employers locally and nationally, and provide the most local jobs to communities.

Local business for local charities Many local businesses sup- port local charities that are rel- evant to the area, and by shop- ping locally you are helping to increase the number of local donations. Of course, large chain companies do support charities but if you would pre- fer to help support a local one then buying locally is a great way of doing this.

Christmas Trees now available Come and choose from our We also have a selection of arti cial trees and a wide range

range of needle fast Nordmann trees and traditional Norway Spruce. All sizes from 4-12 feet.

of Christmas lights and decorations.

Everything to get your home ready for the festive season.

Healthier environment

If things go wrong It’s important to know that if anything was to go wrong you have a local company to go to, someone to talk with face to face. Large commercial com- panies will often provide you with a phone number for their customer service team, which is often not in the UK and make you wait for what seems like an eternity until you get to speak to someone. This simply is not the case with a local business. They will often prefer to meet up face to face, rather than on the phone, and find out exactly how they can help fix the problem.

Choosing a local company over a chain can have a positive impact on the environment. This is because the majority of local companies are found on the high street and are within walking distance, rather than a drive to the nearest large shopping centre. If more peo- ple chose to pop to the local high street rather than driving to the superstores, this would considerably reduce air pol- lution, reduce traffic and im- prove the quality of the high streets.

Now taking bookings for Christmas lunches commencing 3 rd December.

www.evertonnurseries.co.uk • Christchurch Road, Lymington, Everton, SO41 0BF 01590 642155 • office@evertonnurseries.co.uk • Garden Centre Open: Mon - Sat 9am - 5.30pm | Sun 10am - 4pm

A British tradition Supporting your local busi- ness over larger, national and international rivals is some- what of a British tradition. Un- like other countries which have allowed the chain stores and companies to completely take over their high streets, Britain has tried to keep the focus on local businesses.

Your Christmas begins at... New Park Farm Pick your perfect Christmas tree with the help of our

Originality and individuality

It’s win-win all round

In a world that is becoming increasingly dominated by chain stores, which have been designed to look the same, in- dependent businesses bring much-needed originality and variety into communities. They can be a real breath of fresh air in an area populated by ge- neric stores and companies.

So shopping locally really does add up – personal ser- vice, close at hand, someone to talk to, competitive pricing, supporting local charities, in- creased revenues for councils and keeping down your tax bills for money to be spent on oth- er services, but most of all by keeping the high street buzzing with people and shoppers.

Innovation Often local independent businesses are where innova- tion happens. It’s how things move forward and progress. Without the creativity and in- novative nature of local busi- nesses and entrepreneurs, industries wouldn’t advance at the rate that they are. Take the coffee shop, for instance. Currently at the peak of pop- ularity, chain coffee shops are actually following in the footsteps of independent coffee shops. They are doing what they can to blend more into the community and seem more authentic.

Helping local entrepreneurs

Through supporting your local businesses, you are help- ing to support local entrepre- neurs who may have strug- gled to get their companies started. The local option over the larger chain businesses is giving more entrepreneurs the chance to get their foot in the door.

specialist tree team. Brockenhurst, SO42 7QH. Full details available at

forestryengland.uk/christmas