Launched in 2020 the initial campaign started with Spend, Support, Shop Local; a collaborative campaign between Wigan Council and small businesses in the borough.
It originally focused on how businesses adapted their ways of working throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, while encouraging residents to change their shopping habits to help safeguard the local economy. It celebrated stories from businesses who successfully diversified throughout the pandemic, getting online to keep their business surviving and thriving.
Now the next phase of the campaign #LoveLocalWiganBorough, is all about showcasing the variety of independents across Wigan Borough and encouraging our residents to shop and spend within these businesses.
Local business owners from across the borough are paving the way and leading the campaign, acting as ambassadors to encourage communities and businesses alike to get on board.
#LoveLocalWiganBorough is about putting the control of our economy in the hands of our communities, allowing them to shape a borough to be proud of.
How to #LoveLocalWiganBorough
There are many ways to #LoveLocalWiganBorough. A 'like', 'comment' or 'share' on social media could go a long way in helping a new business be discovered. And it’s completely free!
As this campaign evolves and we will continue to support our Community Wealth Building values by encouraging people to spend locally in all kinds of ways. We will also ask residents, businesses and developers to consider spending local by using local suppliers and borough-based traders.
Get involved
If you’re a business owner and would like to get involved with the campaign, please email pr@wigan.gov.uk.