With Valentine’s Day just round the corner, NMBS is encouraging all its Members and Suppliers to “spread a little love” on social media, with its new #LoveIndependents campaign.
The current pandemic has been challenging for independent businesses, for whom repeated lockdowns and in-branch COVID restrictions have made trading difficult. Although the construction sector has been an essential industry with builders’ merchants able to remain open, many branches were restricted to click-and-collect and deliveries whilst getting their branches COVID secure, causing additional difficulties and extra challenges for staff and customers alike.
Dean Hayward, NMBS Sales & Marketing Manager, said: “The lockdown might be putting a dampener on many people’s Valentine celebrations, but we wanted to show our love to all our independent merchants and the many local independent businesses who are keeping the country going during these difficult times.
“We are encouraging our Members to take to social media during February – and especially around Valentine’s Day – to tell us why they love being an independent business. We would also love our Suppliers to tell us why they love working with independent merchants, all using the hashtag #LoveIndependents.”
Any merchant or supplier who wants to get involved can post to Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook using the hashtag #LoveIndependents, and share why they love working with, for, or being part of, an independent business.
Dean added: “Independent businesses are the backbone of the economy, with millions of businesses in all sectors working tirelessly to support their customers and local communities. Since the pandemic began, we have all heard amazing stories of independent companies going above and beyond to help those in need, and we hope this campaign will be able to give something back. If you want to share your thanks for a valued local business, join in our campaign and let’s get #LoveIndependents trending this Valentine’s Day.
