Sitcom star Will Mellor is encouraging people to 'shop small' this Christmas and support independent business, through a new partnership with two Staffordshire businesses.
The actor - who is best known for his roles in Hollyoaks and Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps - is backing a new campaign which has been launched by Cannock-based viral media publisher The Viral Group and marketing agency Yogurt Top.
The 'We Will Make Christmas' campaign aims to encourage the public to shop small this year - and support independent businesses over global corporations.
Through a series of user-generated videos of small independent businesses, narrated and shared by Will Mellor, it is hoped that the campaign will give businesses a helping hand when it comes to raising their brand awareness and sales ahead of the festive season.
CEO of Yogurt Top and The Viral Group, Matt Flint said: "Small business owners have been through an extraordinarily tough year. They've fought hard to continue supporting their customers through the challenges that the pandemic has brought all of us, so we want to give some of these amazing businesses the opportunity to share their messages and build their brands via The Viral Group's social media pages."
Will Mellor added: "Lockdown has been so tough on everyone, especially businesses that are trying to stay afloat.
"Small, independent businesses are about so much more than making money; they keep communities together and support local people when they need it most.
"When you buy from a small business you're not helping a CEO buy a new Ferrari, you're helping a little boy get his favourite book, a teenager learn to drive, a family put food on the table.
"Behind every small business is a family and that matters more than ever right now. We Will Make Christmas has been created to help keep small, independent businesses front of mind throughout these uncertain times."
