PEOPLE are being urged to make 2020 the year of shopping locally.

The call comes from Jackie Mulligan, the founder of award-winning ShopAppy.com - which was founded in Otley and Saltaire back in 2016, and later extended to Guiseley and Ilkley - to fight for the revival of the British high street.

ShopAppy provides a platform for consumers to buy local products and services online and is live in a number of places across the country. It has now launched a fresh shop-local initiative, by declaring 2020 as the year to support businesses on your doorstep.

Jackie has created a suite of downloadable resources for independent businesses to use. The materials focus on how to communicate the benefits of shopping local – such as the impact on places, people and the planet.

The 2020 campaign will be celebrated with a flagship event called ‘Love Local Day’ on February 14.

“ShopAppy will have launched in 30 locations by February 2020, helping towns and cities to love their high street,” said Jackie.

“In this new decade, I see hope in policy reforms that will help physical stores and services, as well as greater funding for our town centres, and many new business concepts coming to the fore.”

She added: “In an age where reducing environmental impact is the top of consumers’ priorities, many don’t realise that supporting local businesses is a much greener way to shop by reducing over-packaging and the congestion that comes with home deliveries.”

In 2019 ShopAppy appointed four new employees, including Julie Holden as director of membership.

Julie said: “Nobody wants to lose the vibrant hearts of the UK’s commerce and communities, so it is vital that consumers show their love for local retailers and businesses again.

“ShopAppy will be working in partnership with our growing community of ambassadors and local businesses to ensure that supporting local is not just for Christmas.”

She added: “Our Love Local celebration day in February will help to raise awareness, but the overall message is about loving your local businesses all year round.”

For more information about ShopAppy and how it works, visit www.shopappy.com.