Why Buy Local Norfolk?

The social, economic and environmental benefits of doing business locally are vast:

More money flowing within the local economy
More local jobs
More robust, distinctive local communities
A greater choice for local businesses and individuals
Reduced carbon footprint.

Want more reasons? We love this article: 15 reasons why you should buy local

The locality of a business and its ownership is extremely important because the economy is like water in a bucket. If the bucket has lots of holes in it (more businesses from outside the area). the more water we will lose from the bucket. However, if we use more local, independent businesses, there are less holes in the bucket and the water (money) won’t leak out!

Buying locally automatically retains money within the local economy, thus protecting, in the most sustainable way possible, the unique flavour and character of Norfolk.

Buy Local Norfolk provides a unique accreditation process for genuinely local businesses in Norfolk.

Having gained this accreditation, our member businesses are authorised to display the Buy Local Norfolk logo, identifying themselves to the growing number of businesses and consumers to whom buying local products and services is important.

With a growing network of member businesses, the Buy Local Norfolk logo has become a recognisable mark throughout Norfolk.

The Buy Local ‘brand’ enables procurement managers, buyers, customers and visitors to make an informed choice about directly investing in the Norfolk economy.

By joining Buy Local Norfolk you are becoming part of something important. We are a community of like minded people who all run an independent business, rooted in Norfolk, with a shared interest in strengthening the local economy.

All our directors are full paying members and volunteer their time and expertise to their directorship role for free. Collectively we raise awareness amongst other businesses and consumers of the benefits of buying local, in turn raising the profiles of our member businesses and the Buy Local Norfolk brand.

For the ultra-low membership fee of just £120 per year, you gain so much more in value from the host of membership benefits detailed below.

Membership Benefits

Free entry in this full colour directory: over 10,000 copies printed and distributed twice a year and published on our website

Opportunity for advertising space within the printed directory form just £50!

Free listing on our website e-directory: making your business details available to over 2,500 visits each month

Opportunity to write guest blogs/articles for our website

Free to attend monthly networking meetings: really friendly, informal and mutually beneficial. Meet like-minded, supportive and well-connected members with businesses of all shapes and sizes who can understand and relate to you and your business. A problem shared…! Speaker slots available too.

Free use of equipment: including digital projector, screen, flip-chart, gazebos, banners etc

Free use of the Buy Local Norfolk brand: setting your business apart from national and international competitors- Members Logo, certificate, branded marketing such as pens, window stickers, directories, product stickers, pin badges, etc

Benefit from our vast social media audience across all our platforms; we encourage our members to tag us in their posts for optimum engagement and join our private and public Facebook groups too.

Access to low-cost stand space at exhibitions and promotions

Benefit from discounted offers and support from our supporter members

Promote your events on our online calendar

Own a share of the company: as a not-for-profit social enterprise, every member owns an equal share of Buy Local Norfolk and is entitled to have a say and get involved as much as you choose

Benefit from Member to Member offers and add your own if you wish!

If we sound like the perfect fit for you then we look forward to receiving your membership application very soon! Apply here

As part of our long-term campaign promoting the huge benefits of using locally owned businesses with local authority leaders, MPs and MEPs, we’re developing mutually beneficial relationships with Norwich City Council, Easton and Otley College and Norse to name but a few. Buy Local Norfolk is supported by Norfolk MPs Chloe Smith, Clive Lewis, Keith Simpson, Elizabeth Truss, George Freeman and Brandon Lewis. You’ll find our logo on many of their websites.