Local businesses are the heart of our communities, not just providing jobs and essential services, but also building local spirit. As they find increasingly creative ways to tackle challenges now and in the future, we’re supporting them. As champions of ‘Where you shop matters’ we’re helping businesses 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 maintain business as usual.
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 the store was forced to close its front doors in March because of the pandemic, manager Lewis Freeman had to find a way to keep serving his local customers with the cakes and bread they love. So, he set up a website, created a way for customers to order online, and took Dunn’s Bakery to their doors with a local delivery service. Originally, Lewis created a simple website for his ‘pop-up online store’. It was the first time Dunn’s had established a presence online. Not only was Lewis running the bakery, but he also took care of managing the website and delivering orders locally.
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
High streets across Britain have been forced to rethink their buisness models almost overnight. Meet the UK shop owners who have defied the odds and made lockdown work for them.
Meet the small business owners
