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Love Local: support Essex businesses

Love Local: support Essex businesses

There are unique shops, special places and friendly faces to be found in every corner of Essex. Local businesses have faced huge challenges this year and now they need our support more than ever.

Welcome to Love Local, a county-wide initiative that encourages the use of independent shops, restaurants and attractions.

We’re highlighting the ease, enjoyment and benefits of shopping, eating, drinking and visiting locally. Together, we can make a difference to our local economy. We can get our communities back on their feet. We can support the supply chains that have been hit by Covid-19. Ultimately, we can help local businesses survive and thrive.

So, let’s champion the produce, products and people of Essex. Let’s Love Local.

How to support local businesses

Follow our hashtag #LoveLocalEssex to find Essex businesses on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. You can also browse using #ShopLocalEssex and #EssexBusiness.

Shop local

Local retailers have opened their doors and they’re ready to welcome us back safely, hand sanitiser and all. It’s time to rediscover the magic of the high street, so head to your local town centre and make a day of it.

From hidden gems in thrift stores to your favourite brands in a local fashion shop, you never know what you’ll discover when you Love Local.

If you don’t fancy leaving the house, you could always Click It Local instead. You can browse local shops online, order items from different retailers and have them delivered to your home in one package. You’ll support local retailers and reduce your carbon footprint, all from the comfort of your sofa.

You can also support local online retailers by:

Eat and drink local

Your favourite coffee shops, bistros, pubs and restaurants are open for outdoor dining and it’s a great time to show your support and socialise with friends.

Many local hospitality businesses have set up sheltered outdoor areas, as well as Covid-19 measures, to keep you warm, dry and safe.

So, book a table and enjoy great food, drink and company at a local pub garden, restaurant terrace or street-side café.

If you’re staying in or getting a takeaway, here’s how to support local online:

Visit local

We have fantastic attractions here in Essex and they’ve spent a long time preparing for our safe return. Zoos, theme parks and drive-in cinemas are all open again. If you've been longing for a change of scenery, book a self-catering staycation with your family.

Visit Essex has the low-down on all the best activities, experiences and accommodation in Essex.

For fresh air and great views, head to a country park or outdoor heritage location. The parks, car parks, children’s play equipment and toilets are open, and some of their cafes are open for takeaway drinks. You can save money on car parking and more with an Explorer Pass.

Relax local

It’s finally time for some real self-care as personal care and leisure facilities are back. Book yourself in at a local salon to show your support and revive those lockdown locks.

Gyms are open too, and it’s never too late to renew your membership or start afresh. Opt for a locally owned gym and join a community of fitness-lovers. Alternatively, join a local sports club or fitness group from Active Essex.

Share the love with local businesses online

Follow our hashtag #LoveLocalEssex to find Essex businesses on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. You can also browse using #ShopLocalEssex and #EssexBusiness.

Love Local near you

Local councils and partners have set up schemes to support businesses in their area. You’ll find more opportunities to Love Local on their websites:

Do you own a local business?

Tag your business with #LoveLocalEssex on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to be seen by more local people.

We are offering funding, grants and support to help you through the restrictions. Visit our support for businesses and employers section to find out more.

Last updated 6 April 2021