Bispham mum on a mission to support Fylde coast independent businesses as Christmas approaches

46-year-old Jodie Kershaw of Bispham Road initially decided to set up the group, Shop local for Christmas (Fylde Coast) last week to support her friends and family who own small businesses.

As craft fairs and Christmas markets were being cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the idea was to help her loved ones secure some sales at a difficult financial time.

But after seeing how many other local businesses were also being affected, Jodie extended the group to support the entire Fylde coast, which has now reached nearly 4,000 members.

Jodie, a knowledge transfer manager for a consultancy group in Lancaster, said: "At first I set it up because my son Brendon's girlfriend Maisie worked in a restaurant which is now only doing takeaways, so she needed some extra money.

"Maisie and Brandon are both students at Blackpool Sixth Form so she makes these beautiful craft pieces from resin and sells them for extra income.

"I thought if I could start my own little group and invite my friends, other people I know with small businesses might get a few orders through it, and it's just spiralled."

More and more small businesses began to join the group, which now showcases the Fylde coast's creative talents and encourages residents to shop locally for Christmas.

Jodie continued: "There are so many little businesses that normally people would be out and about discovering, but they can't at the moment.

"That's why I wanted to keep the group as the Fylde coast, because it's about helping our community. It's given me some great ideas too, and I've bought things I wouldn't usually know about."

19-year-old Izzy Durose from St Annes runs PotBound, a small craft business she started while working at Blackpool's Art B&B.

As a member of the group selling her plant pots, Izzy said: "It has been a great way to connect with the local community and encourage them to shop locally. Without the craft fairs it’s hard to connect with people you don’t know and this group allows us to reach new customers that otherwise would never see our work.

"I think Covid-19 has shown people that local businesses run by local people bring something special that big corporations can’t.

"Small businesses put their heart and soul into their products and each order sparks joy and excitement, and helps a local person pay their bills.

"It’s been nice to feel like the community is still thriving and supporting each other but this time with a twist. Hopefully this year everyone will get at least one handmade gift, there’s enough to choose from."