We are passionate about shopping local and what better time to show your favourite small business some love than on Small Business Saturday which takes place on Saturday 2 December 2023. To show our support, you can get a free Love Basingstoke tote bag when you shop at some of the independent businesses in the Top of the Town, Overton and Whitchurch. Keep an eye on the Love Basingstoke socials for details on which businesses will have bags.

Here are Love Basingstoke’s top tips on how you can support your favourite small independent businesses:

1. Buy local
2. This Christmas, give the gift of local
3. Experience local
4. Follow their social channels
5. Spread the word
6. Write a positive review
7. Sign up to newsletters and email lists
8. Send a personal message

Buy local

This may sound incredibly simple but shopping local and buying products and services from local independent businesses not only supports the business itself but helps to create jobs and strengthens our community.

Why not shop local for your food and drink this Christmas from producers in and around Basingstoke and Deane? If you are looking for award-winning charcuterie, head to the Hampshire Deli and Farm Shop. For top-quality meat, get in contact with Fenworth Farm, Ashford Hill’s newest farm. Wash it all down on Christmas Day with a beverage from a local producer. However you like your eggs in the morning, Rolling Eggs produce fresh eggs which can be supplied and delivered locally or are available from their on-site vending machine.

Dining at local restaurants, pubs and cafes is a great way to sample any local food and drink on their menu. This Christmas, enjoy some festive quaffing at the stunning venue Silchester Farm. For festive get-togethers ahead of Christmas, Palm Brasserie has private dining and group spaces available, enjoy a coffee at the end of the meal with mints from local producer Summerdown Farm. The Watership Down Inn also source food locally where possible.

This Christmas, give the gift of local

Shop independently for gifts at Viables Craft Centre, explore unique shops based in the quaint converted farm buildings such as Laura Fisher Illustrations, Alison’s Wonderland and Petra Jewellery. As well as shopping at Viables, make a Christmas keepsake at Pots 2 Paint, enjoy award-winning tea from The Parlour Tearoom or check online and book in advance for a craft workshop.

Support local artists over the festive season. All our Own Crafts is packed with Christmas gifts, decorations, and crafts created by local artists. Around the corner, you will find THAT Gallery, where you can purchase gift vouchers to give the gift of art or view the amazing artworks from local artists. 

You’ll find other independent shops in the borough. For some ideas head to The Borough Basket for ideas.

Experience local

Spend the day in your local town or village. Whilst you are doing your shopping, pop into a café or restaurant and grab a bite to eat. See if there is any entertainment on or visit a local attraction. Treat yourself to a bit of pampering or order from a takeaway you’ve been wanting to try.

For those that don’t want to give more ‘stuff’ this Christmas, why not purchase an experience, activity, or craft workshop for someone to enjoy next year. You’ll find plenty to choose from in Basingstoke and Deane including gift vouchers from Hampshire School of Jewellery, Oakley Hall Hotel, Exciting Escapes and iFly.

Follow their social channels

If your favourite local business is on social media, give them a follow and engage, like, share and comment on their posts. This will really help get their brand and products noticed and highlight them to a different audience. The business will most definitely feel the love too.

Spread the word

Shout about your favourite local small business to your friends and family and on social media. If you love them, tell people why and let them know.

Write a positive review

Reviews are extremely helpful for small businesses as it shows their brand, product or service is trusted. This will give a massive boost to the business and the individual(s) who are working so hard behind the scenes.

Sign up to any newsletters and e-mail lists

If your favourite business has a newsletter or e-mail list, sign up to it and take the time to open and read it.

Send a personal message

Send a message online, drop into their DMs or send an email to let them know how much you appreciate their business and love what they do. This could make someone’s day and give encouragement to keep going, and they could also use the quote to help promote their products or services.

We do hope you find these tips useful.

November 2023