Neil Hamilton, MS for Mid & West Wales and Leader of UKIP Wales, is urging local shopkeepers to take advantage of a free on-line marketing opportunity.
Mr Hamilton, a member of the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs committee, is backing a campaign by Carmarthenshire County Council who have launched an initiative to spotlight the county’s local independent businesses.
He said: “I am delighted to see the council giving local retailers a platform on which to promote their wares and I would urge shopkeepers to make sure they take this opportunity.
“This virtual shop window will enable businesses to sell themselves to the public. I welcome any moves to encourage people to shop locally as, during this pandemic, it is the smaller and independent shops who have borne the brunt of tough ‘draconian’ measures by the Welsh Government. They need and deserve our support.
“As we continue to fight coronavirus it is vital we encourage everyone to use local stores whenever possible, especially in rural areas.
“‘Use it or Lose it’ is so true and the loss of a small or independent shop can be devastating to a community. These local shops in Mid & West Wales play a key role in the lives of the community, not only for the products they offer but also by acting as social hubs helping to combat loneliness.
“Just remember, by shopping in your community you will also be helping the local economy which is going to need all the support it can get in the coming months.”
100% Sir Gâr has been developed by Carmarthenshire County Council with support from town and community councils, business and retail groups, to give local retailers and producers a platform to highlight their products.
100% Sir Gâr is a virtual shop window, highlighting a wide range of wonderful home-grown and handmade products by talented local people.
It has been launched on www.discovercarmarthenshire.com and will be shared widely across local social media feeds over the coming weeks.
The council and it partners have been working with local businesses to develop 100% Sir Gâr and any local independent business or producer can sign up to be included and take advantage of the free marketing opportunity.
By signing up they will also be able to access support to grow and improve their business.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Emlyn Dole, said: “Our small independent businesses have never been through such a tough year, and at a time when we’re all starting to prepare for Christmas we’re asking people to shop 100% Sir Gâr. Please support your local businesses at a time when they need you the most.
“Here in Carmarthenshire we are lucky to have a vibrant and diverse range of small local businesses who are producing some wonderful arts and crafts, food and drink, fashion, homeware, wellbeing and cosmetics, gifts, toys and more.
“If you’re thinking of buying gifts for your family, or simply want to treat yourself, visit 100% Sir Gâr and buy something truly unique whilst helping local people and businesses and keeping the Carmarthenshire economy moving. Your support will be so greatly valued.”
