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Love Local: support Essex businesses

There are unique products and great produce to be found in every corner of Essex. Let's pull together and show local businesses we care.

Businesses in Essex have experienced huge challenges in the last year, but by buying local items online and ordering food from locally-owned restaurants, we can make a difference. We can grow our economy, get local people back on their feet and do our bit for the environment. We can help the businesses of Essex survive and thrive.

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

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:

How to find local businesses online

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

Shop local

Under national restrictions, some local shops are open to provide essential items. Non-essential retail is only open for click-and-collect and delivery services. Look for new ways to support them: here are some tips to get you started.

Visit Essex’s Great Days Out Close to Home campaign features a range of local attractions, shops and eateries across Essex. Visit their websites to find out about delivery and click-and-collect services.

Find local and online eco-stores on the Love Essex website.

Visit Made in Essex for handmade gifts and unique items made by local people.

Find gifts, crafts and local businesses in Essex on the UK Small Business Directory.

Visit Etsy and filter the seller’s location to your area.

Visit E-bay and enter your postcode under the item location filter. You can also filter by authorised sellers to make sure you’re buying from verified retailers.

Find small businesses near you on the Small Business Saturday website.

Find shops and services near you on InYourArea.

Search for local businesses on Google and give them a call to find out how you can shop with them safely. Many have adapted to offer delivery and click-and-collect services.

Eat and drink local

You can still order takeaways, deliveries, click-and-collect and drive through under national restrictions. Here are some tips to help you find local food and drink online.

Visit Help Essex Buy Local from the Rural Community Council of Essex to order local food and drink produce.

Find local restaurants and cafes with Visit Essex’s Dine Out Close to Home campaign. Check their websites to see if they're operating takeaway or delivery services.

Search for restaurants and food delivery services on Google and order directly rather than using delivery apps. The apps charge restaurants up to 30 per cent of the cost of your order.

Find delivery and takeaway services on Instagram using #EssexFood, #EssexEats and #EssexPub.

Visit local

Under national restrictions, you can leave your home once a day to exercise. Find country parks and heritage locations with Explore Essex. The parks, car parks, children’s play equipment and toilets are open, and some of their cafes are open for takeaway hot drinks. You can save money on car parking and more with an Explorer Pass.

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 3 December 2020