Epping Forest takes one big step to support local trading

Published on 6 December 2011

Epping Forest College in Loughton hosted the business launch of a new initiative to support local independent traders.The One Shops Local website www.oneshopslocal.com has been developed by One Epping Forest, the local strategic partnership to support local traders in challenging economic times.

Visit the One Shops Local website

The site’s development has been led by a small team, including Essex FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) and Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce. It provides information on the wealth of shops and other traders operating locally and provides a means of offering discounts to local shoppers. The site has been built by the partnership with financial support from Epping Forest District Council and will be administered by Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce.

This initiative follows a similar successful scheme operated in Rochford and the first tranche of local businesses has already signed up to the free scheme, which allows them to make offers available to potential customers to attract them to their business. As part of the scheme, posters and small cards will be produced advertising the scheme.

Councillor Gagan Mohindra the One Epping Forest Business Champion said: “A strong local economy is vital to the health of our district. It creates the jobs and opportunities that make Epping Forest a great place to live. Right now we have a big problem. People living in our district spend most of their money outside it. The Shop Local campaign supported by local business and council leaders aims to reverse that trend. We have already taken positive action to encourage local business and wealth creation. The Shop Local website is the next key step towards developing a bigger, better local economy.”

Launch of the One Shops Local website celebrated by Councillor Ken Angold-Stephens (Chairman) and Councillor Lesley Wagland (Leader) of Epping Forest District Council. The council was instrumental in funding, developing and promoting the project in partnership with Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce and Essex Federation of Small Businesses.

John Price Chairman of the Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce said: “We asked the LSP (Local Strategic Partnership) for support and they listened, One Shops Local is a real collaboration. This initiative is about everyone doing their bit. The council and the other partners cannot and should not be solely responsible for making Epping Forest a great place to trade and shop, traders themselves must take responsibility. The new initiative is based on this ethos. The site is built in consultation with business and it looks great and works well but now we have to step up to the plate, support the initiative by joining, offering discounts and publicising it. The Chamber is very happy to show its commitment by being the body which will take the lead in administering it with the support of our partners.”

Essex FSB Development Manager Keith Brown said: “It’s hard out there for small businesses and independent traders but Epping Forest has a great story to tell in terms of the wealth of high-quality local stores and services on offer. “We want to keep all of our shopping centres, including Debden, Buckhurst Hill, Waltham Abbey, Epping, Loughton, North Weald, Ongar and Theydon Bois, vibrant and diverse by stepping up to meet those new challenges, the site gives local traders the tools to do the job. With the support of all of us it will hopefully grow and grow and become a cornerstone of commerce in our district in years to come.”