Local businesses are the backbone of our communities, but it’s sometimes easy to forget how much each ‘kerching’ or ‘ping’ that signals a sale matters to them. Right now they need our support to keep their dreams and traditions alive. As champions of ‘Where you shop matters’ we’re uplifting businesses to bring their amazing ideas to life, so that they can continue to serve their communities. Whether it’s shopping online, paying with contactless, or using Click ‘n Collect, we’re helping shop owners live their dreams and support our communities.
There’s no shortage of tradition at Dunn’s Bakery. The family-owned artisan bakery has been serving customers since 1820, ever since founder Robert Freeman travelled down to London on a hay wagon to open a bakery in Highgate.
When you shop local, it might just feel like a normal trip to your familiar store. But to the shopkeepers you support, it matters more. Whether you’re shopping online or picking up something in-store, you’re helping to keep a tradition going and dreams alive. Let’s celebrate the independent businesses who take the risks, bring their community alive, and are determined to stay open for when we need them.
Dunn’s Bakery is a great example of what a small local business can achieve online with the right digital tools and support. From a founder on a hay wagon in 1820 to mobile orders, digital invoicing, hashtags and video in 2020, these bakers have transformed the way they do business. At the same time, they’ve stayed true to the same mission they began with 200 years ago - serving the local community. The circumstances might not have been of their choosing but creating an online shopfront has been easy and intuitive. And not only have Dunn’s held onto their loyal customers, but they’ve also opened the opportunity to reach and serve new ones.
Whether you’re browsing, buying or booking online, here’s how you can continue to support your favourite independent businesses and shop local.
Visit Britain's virtual high street
Local communities across Britain have been forced to rethink their business models almost overnight. Meet the UK shop owners who have defied the odds and made lockdown work for them.
Meet the small business owners
