We had a fantastic time at our recent Business Coffee Morning, where local entrepreneurs, crafters and business owners gathered to share ideas, connect, and enjoy delicious coffee and pastries. It was wonderful to see everyone networking and discussing ways we can support each other, contributing to the strength of our local economy.
A special thanks to Ruth Martin from martinandjonesmarketing.co.uk, who shared invaluable tips on promoting local businesses ahead of the festive season. Ruth provided advice on how to maximize opportunities such as:
- Offering gift vouchers with an emphasis on the experience and presentation.
- Running Black Friday promotions to drive sales.
- Creating engaging advent calendars for customers in December.
- Utilizing QR codes for market stalls, making it easy for customers to purchase items. Note: commissions may apply to these transactions.
- Crafting a personalized story with a tailored message to stand out from the crowd.
- Ensuring opening times are visible on Google Business Profiles, especially over the holidays.
- Collaborating with fellow local businesses to strengthen the #ShopLocal message.
Ruth also highlighted how shopping from local crafters in Wem, especially for handmade products, provides a richer, more personal experience than ordering from big online retailers like Amazon, eBay, or Vinted. Not only does this support unique craftsmanship, but it also strengthens our local economy.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to announce that our next event will be the Health and Wellbeing Fair at Wem Town Hall on Friday, 11th October, from 10 am to 12 noon. In November, we’ll be planning a social gathering at the Horse & Jockey Community Pub, so stay tuned for more details!
Many thanks to Anthony Photography for the photographs.
