Support for local businesses and shopping locally during the pandemic

A collection of place-specific Shop Local posters and graphics are available that cover towns across Wiltshire, to help encourage people to shop locally and safely. The council have made these available on their website, for businesses and residents to download and share online and display in shop windows.

The council are also encouraging people to take to social media to support local shops and high streets. A range of assets have been created to encourage people to shop, review and recommend local businesses. People across Wiltshire are encouraged to use this hash tag when promoting their local businesses, which will allow the council to pick up any posts to reshare on Twitter and Facebook: #WiltshireTogether

A Shop Local, Support Wiltshire directory has been created for people wishing to help local businesses and local communities to keep running through the restrictions. Sorted by place, shoppers can find the businesses close to them, many offering the option to buy online or click and collect. It's more important than ever to support our local shops, from buying a loaf of bread from a local family-run bakery to choosing a quirky gift from an independent shop.

The council will soon be sharing updated versions of their business packs, which include the latest guidance for implementing COVID-19 safety measures, and resources such as floor spots and posters to help businesses operate safely.

The Government has announced a series of schemes to support businesses during the Coronavirus restrictions. The council are currently supporting businesses through the Local Restrictions Support Grant. Businesses are being urged to apply as soon as possible if they have not already done so.

Cllr Philip Whitehead, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said:

This year it's particularly important to make sure we support our local shops and businesses to survive throughout the many challenges the pandemic has brought.

We urge people across the county to shop locally where possible, and make sure they keep safe when doing so by keeping a safe distance and wearing face coverings.

We urge businesses to apply for the government grant schemes, via our website, as soon as possible to avoid missing out on the available financial support. There is now only one application form for businesses to use for the majority of the grants with a separate form for the Additional Restrictions Grant scheme, which we hope helps simplify the process.

We know this has been a tough year for businesses and we will continue to provide as much support as possible for Wiltshire's businesses and shops.

The Shop Local posters and graphics can be found on our  page.

The Shop Local, Support Wiltshire directory is located here: Shop local directories.

Grant and other business support including the business packs can be found on our Coronavirus business support grants page.