Local Life is officially one year old, and what an incredible journey it has been! As we celebrate this milestone, let’s take a brief look back at the past year.
We’ve continued to support and uplift independent businesses, with an impressive 23,000 users exploring our website to discover local gems near them. So what have we been up to the past year?
The Local Life Explorer
Local Life Explorer has embarked on an incredible journey, crisscrossing through the charming towns of Staffordshire and Cheshire. We speak to and connect with the heart and soul of these communities – the small businesses that line UK high streets. So far, our travels have taken us to Knutsford, Congleton, Tarporley, Leek, Nantwich, Macclesfield, Stone, and Eccleshall. And we can’t wait to venture even further afield very soon!
Our commitment to showcasing the vibrant local businesses is unwavering. So through captivating video content which we share through our social platforms, we’ve brought the stories of these businesses and highstreets to life.
A new feature on our website is our town guide feature that serves as a beacon for locals and visitors alike. It’s a place where people can discover hidden gems in these towns, helping small businesses gain well-deserved exposure. The response from both our business members and their community has been heart-warming and has reaffirmed our belief in the importance of supporting local life!
Launching the Pod
In May, we took a bold step by launching our podcast, “It’s a Local Thing.” With our incredible host and founder, Laura Bosworth on the mic, we’ve delved into conversations that challenge the status quo and inspire change. Each episode brings a fresh perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of real life.
We’ve had the privilege of hosting some remarkable guests, including the founders of “For the Love of the North,” Lucy and Paul, Laura Bartlett of “House of Coco,” Jo Magiy, the owner of the exquisite wedding venue Standon Hall, and the talented florist duo behind “Buttercup and Daisies with Love.” We also had the opportunity to chat with Catherine Erdly, the visionary founder of “The Resilient Retail Club.”
Good news, we’re just getting started! We already have a lineup of incredible guests for the second half of series one, so be sure to stay tuned (subscribe here).
Coming soon: E-commerce
Our journey doesn’t stop here. We’re currently hard at work, preparing to launch e-commerce capabilities on Local Life. This exciting venture will allow businesses to list and sell their products and services directly through our platform. The best part? Unlike other platforms, we don’t take any commission! We’re here to empower and support our business members, ensuring they thrive in this digital age.
A Message from Our Founder, Laura Bosworth
Wow, what a whirlwind journey the past 12 months have been for Local Life – every step has been a testament to our resilience, passion, and vision.
Launching in August 2022 was a dream come true, even if it came a bit later than we’d hoped. Life threw us a few curveballs, but we took them in stride, dug deep, and poured our hearts into making the launch happen. Every facet of Local Life, from its core values to its expansive potential, fills me with pride. It’s a brand that goes beyond business; it’s about making a tangible difference in communities across the UK.
After some truly uplifting years, we’re now gearing up to take things to the next level. And guess what? We’re teaming up with BIDs and councils all over the country! It’s like seeing your baby grow up and make friends, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.
I have to give a massive shoutout to the Local Life team. Their fire, their dedication, their unwavering belief in the LOCAL dream – it’s what’s brought us here. I’m so grateful for every late night, every brainstorming session, and every ounce of energy they’ve poured into this journey.
Behind the scenes, we’ve got some super exciting projects brewing. The next few months? Oh, they’re going to be epic. We’ve got big plans, and I can’t wait to share them with all of you. Here’s to the future – it’s looking bright, and I’m so ready for it!
Join us in celebrating the power of local as we embark on another exciting year of community and connection. And thank you to all the amazing businesses and customers who have made this first year of our journey so special, we can’t wait for what’s to come.