Keep Trade Local and win a big cash prize!

FOLLOWING the recent launch of its second ‘Keep Trade Local Challenge’ in May with the Speaker of the House, the Rt Hon John Bercow MP, the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) is once again challenging  shoppers across the region.

The challenge asks people to use their local businesses and then visit the website to enter the amount spent, to be in with a chance to win £250.

Robyn Bourne, Thames Valley Development Manager for the FSB, said: “Since opening the competition on the June 20,  Thames Valley residents have already entered over £14,000 of local independent business spends. When considering that for every £1 spent with a local business it puts £1.76 back into the local economy, this is money well invested!

“The competition has the backing of the majority of the regions’ 21 MPs and also many local councils, all who are keen to get behind the challenge and encourage people to ‘keep trade local’.  To enter people need to visit www.fsb.org.uk/thamesvalley where they can also sign up to receive a free cotton shopping bag or one of very special KTL Stress Cows (#ktlcows)  which people are using to take photos of where they have been using local businesses and tweeting about their experiences.

“The FSB recognises that small businesses are the heart of the local community; they generate wealth, employment and opportunity. But with people working longer hours and the growth of convenience, one-stop-shopping and the internet, these places are at risk. By challenging people to use independent businesses and shops the FSB hopes to encourage people use what is on their door step and make the most of the smaller businesses in the community.”

NB The cute litte mini cows for your customers to use to take a picture of their purchase and tweet it, are now available from Sonja Francis at Thame.Net, Jordans Courtyard, 8 Upper High Street, Thame, or just email editor@thame.net and one can be delivered to you!