Media giant Reach is launching a £1m support package for businesses to help them get back in touch with customers as the coronavirus lockdown begins to lift.
The #BackForGood campaign is the biggest regional editorial and commercial initiative of its kind to date being offered to thousands of businesses by the UK’s largest news publisher, which owns brands from the Manchester Evening News to Wales Online and from BusinessLive to CambridgeshireLive.
And #BackForGood is also being endorsed by the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA), which represents some 7,000 UK businesses.
More than 20 regional print titles and over 60 digital titles across London, South Wales, the Midlands, North East and Yorkshire, North-West and North Wales and the South West will be supporting the launch.
Reach is offering the first 10,000 companies who supply their details to the new #BackforGood directory a free InYourArea business membership for one year worth a total of £1m.
InYourArea Business membership gives companies the opportunity to engage with thousands of potential customers by owning their area, building their profile and being found in search (full benefits here)
BIRA will also be offering a 50% discount to new members in their first year, offering savings on business services, from product buying and card processing to legal and HR services and even discounts on vehicle purchases. BIRA works with its thousands of members and the media, working to change Government legislation and provide support and guidance on areas of strain like business rates, parking and staffing.
Alan Edmunds, chief operating officer for Reach said, “Reach’s regional titles are passionate about supporting retail which is the beating heart of every community. Our entire regional editorial, marketing and sales business is rallying to ensure that local businesses are given every chance to succeed on the high street and online.”
Andrew Goodacre, chief executive of BIRA , said: “Independent retailers have suffered their worst ever year since March 23. 2020, when the first lockdown started.
“Despite this, they will look forward to re-opening and serving customers. It is, however, a real make-or-break situation for many retail businesses. They now need to know two things – that lockdowns are a thing of the past, and that customers will return to the high street with confidence.
“We know the retailers will keep shopping safe and we hope the shoppers reciprocate by returning to the shops and come Back for Good."
