How My Local Small Business Strengthens Community Ties

• Personal touch - My small photography and products business provides a personalised service and a more intimate experience for my customers, as opposed to a larger companies.

• Local presence - Operating within the Peak District National Park is almost like a wider village community than my base in Hathersage, and allows the business to have a deeper understanding of the local culture and its residents, allowing for more authentic and meaningful photography.

• Contribution to the local economy - By employing a local resident and working with local suppliers, a small photography business can contribute to the economic growth of the community.

• Support for local events - A small photography business can actively participate in and support local events, and I do this, you'll see me supporting the Hathersage Hurtle, the Hathersage Gala, the Hathersage Players etc, adding to the community's sense of unity and pride.

• Giving back - By participating in charitable initiatives and giving back to the community, my small photography business demonstrates its commitment to the well-being of its residents, and environment. Each year I support 3 local charities with donations of calendars free of charge for fundraising efforts, this has included Edale and Buxton Mountain Rescue Teams, and the Peak District National Park Foundation.

• Building relationships - By working closely with clients and becoming a familiar face in the community, my small photography business has developed strong and lasting relationships with many customers.

• Unique perspective - Operating within a small National Park and village community, my small photography business offers a unique perspective and captures the essence of the community in my photographs.

• Flexibility - As a small business, I have the ability to adapt to the changing needs and preferences of customers, offering a customised and flexible experience.

• Keeping local traditions alive - By capturing the unique traditions and cultural elements of the community in photographs, my small photography business helps to preserve the heritage of the Peak District National Park and also closer to home, Hathersage.

• Building community - By providing a sense of familiarity and comfort, my small photography business plays a role in bringing the community together and fostering a stronger sense of connection among residents.

In more depth:

As a local small business owner, I've come to understand the immense power that community holds. As a photographer, I've had the privilege of capturing the essence of countless local businesses, and individuals in my community. In this blog post, I want to delve into how local small businesses like mine contribute to the strengthening of the communities they serve.

Firstly, let's start by defining what a community is. A community can be defined as a group of people living in the same area who share common interests, values, and experiences. When local small businesses invest in their communities, they become more than just businesses - they become a part of the fabric of the community. By supporting local small businesses, you are supporting the people and the places that make your community unique.

Local small businesses are more likely to support other local businesses, such as suppliers, which contributes to the overall health and prosperity of the community. This is especially true through my work with Let's Go Peak District, a business that I co-founded in 2018, a platform for the promotion of the whole of the Peak District and many of the businesses within it.

Another way that local small businesses contribute to the strengthening of communities is through their involvement in local events and initiatives. Many small business owners are actively involved in their communities and are often the driving force behind local events such as festivals, fairs, and charity events. By participating in these events, small businesses help to bring the community together and create a sense of belonging and pride.

In addition to participating in community events, local small businesses also contribute to the local community through charitable giving. Many small businesses choose to donate a portion of their profits to local charities and non-profit organisations, which can have a huge impact on the community. This type of giving not only helps to support important causes but also helps to build a stronger sense of community and fosters a sense of shared responsibility.

Another important aspect of local small businesses is their personal touch. Unlike large corporations, small businesses are often owned and operated by individuals who live in the community they serve. This personal touch allows them to form meaningful relationships with their customers, which can be a significant factor in building a sense of community. Customers feel valued and appreciated when they are treated as more than just a number, and this in turn strengthens their loyalty to the business.

Finally, local small businesses are a reflection of the unique character and culture of the community they serve. They often provide products and services that are not available elsewhere. By supporting local small businesses, customers are helping to preserve the unique character of their community and ensuring that it remains vibrant and relevant.

In conclusion, local small businesses play a vital role in strengthening communities. By employing local residents, participating in community events, giving back through charitable donations, providing a personal touch, and reflecting the unique character of the community, small businesses help to build a stronger and more connected community. As a photographer, I am proud to be a part of this dynamic and I encourage everyone to support their local small businesses. When we come together to support the businesses in our communities, we all benefit and our communities thrive.