Nominate an Amble business for a FREE advert
Which Amble businesses deserve praise? Tell us about your favourites and why – the best recommended will get a FREE advert in The Ambler
Did you know that July 4th was Independents’ Day? And in case you think I’ve got my apostrophes in a knot and have temporarily relocated myself to the USA, let me clarify.
You’ll no doubt be aware that urging people to shop locally is a popular thing these days. Well Independents’ Day is an initiative to promote independent traders and I don’t need to tell you that here in Amble, we can be justly proud. I’d even like to go out on a limb here and suggest that Amble has more independent traders than any other local small town. (Correct me if I’m wrong).
Above: Alan Beith, MP praised Amble’s independent businesses. He told The Ambler: “Any initiative that will boost local businesses and support independent traders should be welcomed.
“Amble has some excellent independent shops and it was a pleasure to be able to back the campaign by getting some shopping myself on Saturday. As well as picking up some shaving supplies it was a beautiful day to sample an ice cream from Spurrellis! If people are looking for everyday necessities, gifts or flowers for a special occasion or interesting items for their home, they really should Try Amble 1st.”
Just a look along Queen Street alone, shows the overwhelming majority of businesses are independently owned.**
Then think about the other streets in the town, and the Industrial Estate where there are dozens of enterprising locals. And that’s just shops and businesses. Then there are all the professionals, service providers and stay at home entrepreneurs.
The #TryAmble1st campaign was launched after the Amble Town Team put in its bid to be a Mary Portas Pilot town. While compiling research for the bid, traders told us that customers were often surprised at what was on offer in Amble and that the prices were very comparable to those further afield. It seemed that locals were just not used to trying Amble first.
So let’s get behind our independents and support our town! Shop locally whenever you can. #TryAmble1st – and help spread the word about how we’re proud of our independent traders and why other people should know what’s on offer here in the Friendliest Port.
And here is The Ambler’s contribution to supporting the campaign. We are asking readers to send in recommendations of local businesses, which will encourage others to #TryAmble1st. Use the form below (drop it into Fourways2) or send us an email (editor@theambler.co.uk). In return we will give the best recommended local traders a free advert.
Anna Williams
**As of January 2013 on Queen Street, there were
59 shops/ businesses, of which only six were large chains and four SME (17-170 branches nationwide)
| Amble is lucky to have such a large number of independent shops with hardly a large chain in sight. Help us promote our independent traders and service providers. Shop local and recommend local businesses. Tell us about great service; businesses you love and we’ll give the best recommended a FREE advert. #TryAmble1st |
I nominate insync on queen street