Hartlepool’s Buy Local Initiative

A SUCCESSFUL campaign to encourage local buying during the recession is preparing to branch out.

Hartlepool's Buy Local initiative has so far seen increased trade at Hartlepool Enterprise Centre and the revitalisation of the Middleton Grange Market Hall.

The latest stage is to roll the campaign out town wide and encourage all businesses to get on board and shoppers to sign up for a Buy Local Benefits Card, which will give them exclusive special offers and discounts.

Andrea Miles, Manager of Hartlepool Enterprise Centre, said: "The Buy Local campaign has been a huge success, certainly in the face of this recession.

"There have been teething problems at times and certain things haven't worked out but we have continued to talk to the businesses of Hartlepool to find out exactly what they want and need.

"We are so excited for the next phase of Buy Local because it means every business and shopper in Hartlepool can get involved and we hope as many as possible do.

"Businesses will benefit from a higher profile and increased customers, whilst shoppers in Hartlepool should reap the rewards of some great savings and special offers."

The latest phase of the campaign will encourage all town businesses to register on the Buy Local website and pledge to become a Buy Local retailer or business.

They will then be e-mailed a member pack which will include information on the Buy Local campaign; a Buy Local poster to print off and display; an offer poster to promote their latest exclusive offers to Buy Local Benefits Card owners; and a data capture sheet.

The website, which is currently being built by Hartlepool company Reactive Design, will also allow business owners to post their company details and offers online.

Andrea added: "The recession continues to bite down so businesses big and small have to do everything they can to fight back.

"Pledging support for the Buy Local campaign will hopefully give them an extra push to help them through the recession and, with a bit of hard work, thrive when we come out of it.

"The website is currently under construction and will be ready New Year. We will let people know where to sign up, once it is all up and running."