Support local this Christmas

As we continue through our second national lockdown, at Gloucestershire Gateway Trust (GGT) we believe that supporting local is more important than ever.  It's what we do and what we’re always passionate about, so we're calling on the people of Gloucestershire to support local this Christmas.  Support local people, support local business, support each other.

‘Inspiring 12 days of local Christmas’

This Friday we're excited to launch our ‘12 days of local Christmas campaign’, showcasing 12 small businesses based in Gloucestershire on our website and social media that produce amazing products from award winning jams, pickles and spicy sauces to luxurious organic soaps, cheese hampers and fine patisserie style Christmas desserts.  All 12 producers are stocked in the Farmshops at Gloucester Services on the M5.
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Our CEO Mark Gale said: “We’ve been committed to supporting local producers at Gloucester Services since we opened, and we know this year has been really tough, so we want to encourage people to think local first this Christmas – as supporting local businesses supports local people, their livelihoods and their families, as well as reinvesting into our local economy.”

Up to 3p in every £1 spent on non-fuels sales at Gloucester Services gets reinvested in local people, projects and communities through Gloucestershire Gateway Trust.

Mark continued: “We know Christmas shopping is going to be different this year, so we wanted to inspire people to think locally early on and show a few of the many incredible local businesses that exist before we all rush off to the big chains.  Supporting local people makes such a big difference.”
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Over 130 local producers based within 30 miles have their products stocked at the Farmshops at Gloucester Services on the M5, which also channels up to 3p in every £1 of non-fuel sales back into local people, projects and communities through Gloucestershire Gateway Trust. 

One of the producers to be showcased is family run The Patisserie Box in Cheltenham, who said: "Running our own business is a dream come true. We have spent the last 10 years building it from the ground up with the support from our loyal customers.  This year has been a year of change for all of us and is why it more important than ever to support your local businesses. We need to get through this together."

Sarah Churchill of Artisan Kitchen who will also be featured said: "Shopping locally is incredibly important. It enables independent interesting businesses to exist, encourages innovation and supports the local community as a whole."

Gloucestershire loved for its local produce
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Recent reports suggest over half a million businesses have been plunged into “significant distress” this year due to the pandemic, with spending plummeting in many areas during lockdown with much of the population staying at home or reducing spending due to loss of income or employment worries. As Christmas approaches spending will increase, and there is a real opportunity to support local people and communities by supporting local businesses, an idea which has been championed by leading business networks and organisations.

David Owen, CEO of GFirst LEP said: “Gloucestershire has always been well recognised and loved for its local produce and now more than ever before we should all be doing our utmost to support our local businesses. Our ‘Think Gloucestershire’ campaign launched in the summer and the ask to Gloucestershire citizens was to think local for holidays/staycation, to support their local shops throughout the year, not forgetting in the run up to Christmas, and for business procurement. GFirst LEP, Gloucestershire’s Local Enterprise Partnership, is delighted to support GGT’s campaign to support local businesses, people and communities.”
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Councillor Kate Haigh, The Right Worshipful Mayor of Gloucester has also shown her support for the campaign: “This Christmas is going to be different but whatever happens we can make a difference to our neighbours by supporting local businesses. In Gloucester we have wonderful local produce, great shops and great service so stay safe and shop local this Christmas.”

For latest opening times at Gloucester Services, please check the Gloucester Services website.

Check out our list of featured producers for our 12 days of local Christmas ​here.  A new local business added every day for 12 days, so be sure to come back!