By Hayley Parker, director and founder of OPS-BOX 

Hayley Parker explains why it is so important for us all to think small and act local this winter.

As our retail and hospitality sectors open back up following the November lockdown and small businesses fight to recoup their lost earnings and get back on the road to recovery, there is so much we can all do - as individuals and businesses - to support and help our local economy recover from the pandemic.

Small actions, big impact

OPS-BOX were proud to be chosen as a representative of Small Business Saturday UK - a grass roots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support small businesses in their communities.

As an individual, it might just be stopping to think before you buy that Xmas gift or order your Xmas turkey - is there a small, local retailer who you can give your money to and support at this difficult time?

Or before you stop for a coffee whilst Xmas shopping or book a festive 'substantial meal' (within your household or support bubble of course!) - is there a small, local coffee shop or restaurant that you can help? One thing is for sure, they will be so grateful.

And our actions as businesses are equally important - at OPS-BOX, we have a network of local, trusted partners who supply the goods and services necessary to run our business - whether it's IT services, print and design, website support or essentials such as stationary and office supplies - looking to our fellow local Gloucestershire businesses all helps to support our local economy and help it to recover.

Gloucestershire - rising to the challenge

Our Gloucestershire businesses have risen to the challenges of 2020 - we've seen some incredible displays of resilience and flexibilty, where business owners have adapted and pivoted their businesses and reinvented themselves to survive - all whilst managing the juggle of work and home life.

We launched OPS-BOX just before the pandemic hit - not the ideal time to launch a business! But it has meant that we have been able to work with businesses across Gloucestershire to support them through the challenges of 2020 and refocus their priorities - whether through planning, operational support or providing funding advice and solutions. We have helped our clients not just survive, but position themselves for future growth.

So, now is the time for us all to support each other as a Gloucestershire business community and help each other's businesses - and in doing so, help their teams, their families and the recovery of our county.

Hayley Parker is a director and founder of OPS-BOX. If you would benefit from working with a business partner, get in touch today, to find out how OPS-BOX could support your business to be the success you want it to be.

For more information, you can call us on 07759 407064 or 07432 557966, or email enquiries@ops-boxgroup.com.