TODAY the Worcester News launches a campaign to encourage people to spend their money locally in the run up to this Christmas, to help businesses as they struggle with the impact of coronavirus.

Love Local Business this Christmas follows on from the successful campaign, of the same name, which we ran this summer. The aim is to promote all the fantastic traders we have in the city and urge our readers to give them their custom at this key time of the year.

Worcester MP Robin Walker is among those supporting the campaign.

He said: "I am delighted to support Worcester News' Love Local Business campaign. Worcester is home to some fantastic local businesses which make a massive contribution to our community.

"Businesses have had to adapt and work harder than ever to deliver for their customers in a safe way this year.

"People can support their local businesses by shopping locally, backing independent traders and buying Worcestershire-made products.

"We can also all do our bit by supporting the hospitality sector by keeping our bookings and making sure that when an appointment can't be kept, we ring in advance to allow someone else to take our slot.

"2020 has been a year like no other but I know that Worcester people are proud of their city and their local businesses and will want to make sure they not only survive but thrive this Christmas."

Also supporting the campaign are Visit Worcester and Worcester Business Improvement District (BID).

Sam McCarthy, projects and marketing manager for the BID, said: "We see real value to this campaign as it is critical that we support our local economy by keeping the spend local this Christmas.

"Worcester is made up of over 60 per cent independent businesses who are the heart and soul of our city. Worcester retailers have made it their priority to adapt and embrace the changes to make visitor safety and the ability to shop independent accessible from the comfort of your homes as well as enjoying a safe trip to the city.

"All we ask is that you support our local businesses and respect their changes when you visit them – please wear your face mask and help us to keep Worcester safe."

Worcester City Council has also given its backing to Love Local Business.

Cllr Lucy Hodgson, chair of the place and economic development sub committee, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Worcester News with the Love Local Business campaign.

"City centre partners have been working extremely hard to support local businesses through the coronavirus crisis and this campaign is part of our ongoing efforts to encourage people to shop locally, safely.”

Crowngate Shopping Centre is also supporting the campaign.

Worcester News editor Michael Purton said: “For so many local businesses, trade over the Christmas season is key to them remaining financially viable. It really is a case of ‘use them or lose them’.

“One of the aims of our campaign is to feature local businesses in the newspaper and online, so if you’re a local trader who wants to ensure everyone knows you’re open for this Christmas season, please do get in touch.”

To get involved with the campaign, contact Dale Godliman on 01905 742372 or dale.godliman@localiq.co.uk.