Sam Holliday, FSB Development Manager

Every thriving town or city needs those big, well established, universally known brands to ensure a sense of familiarity and encourage footfall. However, much as we all like to visit and are reassured by seeing those nationally-led brands, it is the small independent businesses that give a place its own unique appeal and prevent it looking like a carbon copy of its neighbours.

Thankfully, you will never have that problem in Gloucester because it is, and hopefully always will be, a city where our independent shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs, coffee shops and entertainment venues sit side by side with those bigger brands to give the city its own unique flavour and personality. These small but beautifully formed businesses will all do their best to show that even if they are not the biggest name on the high street they can match any of their chain rivals in terms of their great personal service.

People often fall into the trap of believing that the small business community is just that – a small part of the overall picture. However, in Gloucester around 85 per cent of all business enterprises have nine or less employees so by actively supporting our amazing SMEs you are truly helping the biggest part of the local economy to grow and prosper.

That is why I fully support and applaud the Gloucester BID’s Independents Week initiative.  It is an annual reminder to us all that if we believe in our city and its future we should try to support those local people who have taken the time and trouble to start a business and play an active part in their hometown life.  Let’s back them where we can to ensure we keep Gloucester’s proud  spirit of independence alive and kicking.

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