AN 'EXCITING' campaign to support businesses across Stroud and the wider district has been launched.  

The Stroud and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce are running The Magic Tenner campaign in the Stroud district, with over 40 high street businesses already taking part.

Running from Saturday, October 7 to Saturday, October 21 the campaign highlights the difference spending money in local, independent businesses makes to the local economy.

There are 42 businesses taking part in Stroud, Nailsworth, Wotton-under-Edge and Dursley. 

The “Plugging The Leaks” study from the New Economics Foundation explains how money spent in local, independent businesses often keeps circulating in the local economy, showing that spending just £10 in one of those businesses can be worth as much as £50 to our local economy.

This is because studies show local, independent businesses spend with other local, independent businesses, rather than elsewhere or the money being sent abroad or to a Head Office somewhere far away.

To help get that journey started, many participating businesses have published special £10 Magic Tenner promotions to help get that journey started. Offers range from eating out to gifts, feed for wildlife to essentials and fashion.

Tony Davey, chair of the Stroud and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: “This is a very exciting and engaging campaign.

"Participating businesses are showing a poster to indicate how many local, independent businesses they and their business use.

"When I sat town to count them it was quite an eye-opener, as it has been for many of the participants.

"From local accountants and window cleaners to where we purchase our stationery or buy our lunchtime snack, it quickly adds up.

"Feeding our local economy supports local jobs, supports local opportunities, supports our local communities and a thriving town makes it a better place to live, work and visit.

"Spending money with national retailers or online marketplaces elsewhere simply doesn’t have the same impact, by a long way.

"Our local businesses are more than just a shop, a pub, a restaurant or an office – they are places to gather, interact and offer a vital part of life for those who are vulnerable or isolated.

"This is magnified where someone has little options to travel afar and rely heavily on excellent service and value for money.”

See the full list at - www.visitstroud.uk/Magic