Walthamstow is made up of an incredible number of independent businesses run by people of many different faiths, cultures and backgrounds. They offer a vast array of goods, services, edibles and drinkables as well as locally made products and crafted items. Unfortunately independent businesses can often be overlooked in favour of big corporations and national chains and in 2023 a staggering 7,800 independently owned businesses closed according to the British Independent Retail Association. With every £1 you spend locally, 63p circulates back in the local economy, compared to 40p when you buy from a national chain and worse still just 5p when you buy online. That’s why September at WMBL is all about Discover Local and we are shining a light on just some of the amazing independent businesses and invite everyone to discover, find, and shop local.
Discover Local – Films
Film maker Chis Eyre has interviewed and filmed 12 businesses around the William Morris area. He has created 12 video shorts that give viewers a behind the scenes take on the people running some really valuable and treasured independent businesses. The videos are being released week by week over September and can be viewed on our YouTube Channel
Discover Local – Podcasts
Creative Producer Lauren Gee has interviewed six business owners as part of a series of podcasts with the common themes of family, community and self belief coming through the episodes. With fascinating takes on what it’s like to run a business in Walthamstow 2024 these are a must-listen for gaining a closer connection to our businesses and encouraging us to shop local.
Listen on Soundcloud, Spotify or YouTube
Discover Local – Trail
From the 9th to 30th September 2024 get involved in the Discover Local Trail, a fun journey to 12 local independent businesses brought to life by a new fun map of the area created by Angry Dan. We are challenging local people to visit all 12 destinations and collect a stamp from each to complete a Trail Passport which you can either download or collect from one of the participating businesses. If you send us your completed passport in time you will be entered into a prize draw with a chance to win a signed print of the map and/or a voucher to spend at one of the local businesses
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38 Clifton Avenue
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