Businesses and consumers in East Yorkshire and Hull encouraged to sign up to or shop at local online directories

A virtual online shop window has been created on the Visit East Yorkshire website to help local businesses promote themselves by offering either vouchers, delivery, takeaway services, or a click and collect to local consumers in the run up to the festive period and beyond.

The section, called Shop Local Online, can be found at https://www.visiteastyorkshire.co.uk/things-to-do/shopping/shop-local-online with an opportunity to register to an eclectic directory of local-run businesses.

By simply emailing info@visiteastyorkshire.co.uk with an image and a link to the company details, local businesses can add themselves to the growing list promoting local shopping.

With a message of 'Here to help', the online directory aims to aid businesses by promoting alternative ways to shop. Small-to-medium-sized firms located in East Yorkshire, and which are either in retail, food, drink, a tourism experience or leisure service, are encouraged to sign up.

Consumers, when accessing the section, already have a growing choice to buy local, with a range, so far, of art and crafts shops, card shops, award-winning wines, locally made brews, puppet sets, chocolatiers, and much more.

Councillor Victoria Aitken, portfolio holder for economic development and inward investment at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: "It's been a very difficult year for almost all our small businesses, which have suffered significant financial hardship during this pandemic, so having a dedicated one-stop online local shop section on the website to promote local businesses is wonderful.

"The website is a great virtual shop window for local businesses, so I would encourage them to sign up as soon as they can.

"With the festive season just around the corner, I hope those looking for gifts for friends and relatives will use the guide to its fullest to shop local and help these small businesses get back on their feet going into the New Year."

Councillor Shaun Horton, portfolio holder for coastal regeneration and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, added: "The Visit East Yorkshire website has been recently upgraded to showcase the fantastic potential East Yorkshire has for visitors new to the area, and reminds our local residents of all the wonderful attractions and activities at their doorstep."

To enjoy more of the website, please visit https://www.visiteastyorkshire.co.uk/

Visit East Yorkshire works in partnership with Visit Hull, as Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY), and together both support local businesses in Hull and East Yorkshire through the Visit East Yorkshire and Visit Hull websites.  

A similar online directory for local businesses exists on the Visit Hull website, which can be found at https://www.visithull.org/open-businesses/

Councillor Daren Hale, portfolio holder for regeneration and economic investment at Hull City Council, said: "It is vitally important that we do all we can to support businesses during these difficult times.

"This digital platform gives businesses a new avenue to connect with customers, as well as giving consumers the opportunity to shop safely and responsibly during current restrictions."