I shop local and do my bit to support local businesses, do you?

The benefits of shopping local have a much bigger impact than on larger corporates

How often do we catch news reports of large, multinational companies dodging tax, treating employees unfairly or bosses taking huge bonuses when perhaps company performance does not correlate?

Shopping locally is just the opposite!  Keeping money in the local economy benefits local people.  Local businesses can often be more flexible and provide a more personalised service.  Plus a better product range.  Local businesses are known for giving back, for example, Inspired By Joseph donates to it’s chosen charity, 52 Lives.  This is a charity which looks to change someone’s life every week of the year.

My current, favourite five local businesses to support

Yesterday the UK celebrated  Small Business Saturday I wanted to share with you just a few of my favourite local businesses  from Saddleworth.

Moorland Holistic – When I have a massage, I like to know that I have felt a real difference!  That’s exactly how I feel after I have had a treatment with Rachael.  Based in Diggle, Moorland Holisitic offer treatments including deep tissue massage, reflexology, hot and cold stones massage and much more.  Plus I love it when I can grab a bargain when special offers are announced.

Play! – Play launched in Diggle after Joseph was born and has been a great addition to the local area. Whilst Joseph now loves the ‘big boy area’ (I can never bring him off the yellow slide!), Victoria can use the under three area to her hearts content.  It’s reasonably priced and is a godsend especially in the winter months.

The Bra Spa – Ladies, we all know that a good fitting bra not only makes us look and feel fabulous but has exceptional  health benefits too.  Sue at the Bra Spa in Uppermill offers a great service.  She ensures your bra is individually made for your size and shape and promotes a balanced posture.     I couldn’t go anywhere else for my underwear now!  (And I can’t wait to take all my Mummy friends for a night of fizz and cupcakes in January!)

Grandpa Greene’s – We love ice cream in our house so having this on our doorstep is just plain fabulous! Great to explore the canal in the summer but also great to sit inside with a hot chocolate over the winter.  We love it here!  The reward card is great too as we always look forward to our next complementary drink or ice cream!

Secret Senses – Denise who runs Secret Senses is fabulous!  An ex nurse and health visitor, she now runs baby massage and yoga classes for local mums.  It’s great for baby bonding and meeting new mums locally.  Plus it is great value for money.  Both Joseph and Victoria went through all of her classes and loved them!

Wherever you are in the world, I’d love to know about your favourite local businesses.  Why not hit reply below and share them with us.  After all, supporting local businesses is so important for scores of reasons….