Chippenham Businesses Express Gratitude for Inclusion in National Shop Local Campaign

Small businesses in Chippenham, Wiltshire, have expressed their “gratitude” for being included in a national social media initiative that encourages local shopping. Six businesses from the town are participating in filming for Small Business Saturday, an event dedicated to assisting 5.5 million independent businesses throughout the UK. Mark Williams, co-owner of Coffee on the Corner, stated that it is “not easy” for small businesses to succeed currently. Chippenham is among 23 towns and cities across the UK highlighted in a video produced for Small Business Saturday, scheduled for December 7. Mr. Williams informed the BBC that “There’s been an increase in empty shops.” Michelle Ovens, Director of Small Business Saturday, concurred, noting difficulties “on every front.” She elaborated, stating, “There’s high inflation, high interest rates, staff costs and all input costs have gone up, energy bills have been incredibly high.” Mr. Williams mentioned that social media has significantly aided his business, which commenced operations on New Road last year. He remarked, “It’s definitely a big help for us. When we first opened we filmed the whole build. Our following built up before we even opened. So any social media that we can get involved in is a great benefit to us.” Wil Hodgson, co-owner of Hepcats Barbershop and Beauty Parlour, who has been with the family barbers for almost ten years, observed a transformation in the high street. He noted, “People in Chippenham say ‘it’s all coffee shops and salons’ but that’s because everything else is online.” Mr. Hodgson encouraged small businesses in the town, where 45 per cent of establishments are independent, to “find their niche.” He further stated, “If you just do what everyone else is doing then you’re in a crowded marketplace.” He concluded, “If you do what you want to do – if you’re true to yourself and your own vision – then it’s not at all.” Fred Guscott, proprietor of The Cause, a not-for-profit music and arts center, believes it is currently a favorable period for small business ownership in Chippenham. He commented, “Since lockdown we’ve actually been recovering really well, and there’s a lot of people moving into Chippenham as well. We’re seeing our numbers increasing, we’re finding it quite a vibrant town.” He added, “We struggle to get a profile so anything that Small Business Saturday can do to help us on that, we are grateful.”