If you needed any more reasons to shop local and shop safe... check out our new video Hammersmith & Fulham Council made in partnership with H&F Circles.

We teamed up with the community-led website to showcase how local businesses are benefitting from our Shop Local Shop Safe scheme.

The film is the brainchild of H&F Circles co-founder and content producer Katia Herault, who formed the local website alongside freelance writer and journalist, Lizzie Cernik and Kat Smith to support businesses and residents during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.

Click to play video: Shop Local Shop Safe

It features local businesses owners which include Lawrence Forrester who has been running the W12 Music shop in Uxbridge Road for more than 20 years, Aida Dida and Sarah Purdy from the coffee and flower shop Ella’s Place in New Kings Road and John Horton, the owner and director of independent estate agent Horton and Garton in King Street, to name a few.

“Hearing about the daily closure of pubs, bakeries and furniture shops all across the country made my heart sink,” said Katia.

“Our high streets are vital places for all of us, not just to shop, but also to congregate and socialise. They are a vital source of meaning and belonging, allowing us to connect to the places where we live.

“So it’s been a real honour to work with H&F Council and local business owners to support the council’s Shop Local Shop Safe scheme with this video.”

This is the latest video Katia has produced with Ranno Kasemaa from TEB Creative for the community website.

Their previous projects have featured Thames21, a charity offering volunteering opportunities in Hammersmith, and local entrepreneurs such as Ravenscourt Bootcamp and Bridge Baker who have swiftly adapted their businesses to the new working conditions due to the pandemic.

Shop Local Shop Safe

“The work of community organisations like H&F Circles is what makes H&F such a great place to live, work and socialise in,” said Cllr Sue Fennimore, Deputy Leader of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.

“This is a fantastic example of how we can all do our bit to support our local businesses and residents through this tough time together.”

The council’s Shop Local Shop Safe scheme aims to help businesses to reopen safely and keep residents safe at the same time as H&F Council gives our local traders and entrepreneurs the support they need to continue to make H&F the best place to do business in Europe.

Horton and Garton owner John Horton was also delighted with the video. “I was really happy to be part of H&F Circles’ video for H&F Council’s Shop Safe Shop Local campaign,” said John.

“If everyone’s mindful of shopping safe and shopping local, then we can help our businesses in H&F to thrive. This is what being part of a community is all about.”

Get all the latest business news and support on our dedicated COVID-19 business support page.

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Shop Local Shop Safe is supported by the Reopening High Streets Safely (RHSS) fund.

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