Why we should all SHOP LOCAL

If the coronavirus has taught us anything, it’s that we need to create a new local supply chain, focussing on quality products on our doorstep. Sarah Rodi spoke to Founder of the Honesty Group, Romilla Arber

- Romilla Arber

You only have to recall the panic in the supermarkets during the early weeks of the pandemic, with the shelves looking scarily bare, to see our food supply chain was breaking down.

Never has it been more clear that we need to create a local supply chain, where consumers are less fussed about having access to every single item all of the time, but instead focussed on quality produce that is on their doorstep.

The hospitality industry has been hit especially hard during this pandemic, but some of our local businesses have put aside their own struggles to continue doing everything they can to support their community.

The Honesty Group is a true example of this. Owner Romilla Arber says: “It has been, without a doubt, the most challenging time we’ve had at Honesty Group. We are hugely grateful to the community for their continued support whilst we adapted the business to try to serve them better during this unsettling and uncertain time.”

The Honesty Group converted their Inkpen coffee shop at the Crown & Garter into a general food store to support the community and launched a contactless doorstep delivery service for the elderly and those in isolation.

“Inkpen has blossomed during lockdown,” says Romilla.

“Saddleback Farm Shop also converted into a delivery service for the community. We were glad to bring some light relief to some dark days with our VE Day celebration boxes. Adapting the business from what we normally do has been rewarding and we’ve come away brimming with ideas for the future.