Many of the changes have been happening for years and Covid-19 has simply accelerated them. The growth in online retail is just one example. But it is now and in the future as lockdown restrictions are lifted, it is more important than ever to support our business communities, great retailers and superb hospitality venues, right across Basingstoke. So The Gazette is teaming up with the borough council to launch the Love Our Local Business campaign, in print, online and on social media. Over the coming weeks we will be giving extensive coverage and exposure to our brilliant local business communities.
This will include a special print edition supplement on local businesses and an online picture gallery launching on February 18. There will also be stories, profiles, news and information each week highlight all aspects of great local businesses, high streets and shopping centres. And it’s all free. For all businesses, there will be a ‘Star Prize’ draw with winner receiving an ecommerce website and a four month marketing package provided by Winchester City Council and LOCALiQ, the digital marketing arm of Newsquest, publisher of the
Chronicle. The editor of the
Hampshire Chronicle, Bill Browne, said: “We have learned a great deal in the past year, not least that working together is absolutely vital.