BUSINESSES and shoppers in West Devon and East Cornwall are being invited to two unique workshops to encourage more people to use local shops and services within the Tamar Valley. West Devon charity Westden will be running two workshops for businesses and consumers to plan ways of encouraging more residents and tourists to spend their money within the Tamar Valley, such as introducing a local loyalty card, setting up a business directory, or creating a ?Buy Tamar? logo. Westden Director, Anna Kennedy, said: ?Shopping locally benefits the whole of the Tamar Valley because the money spent flows back to the residents and businesses of the area. ?If those shops also buy from local businesses, even more of the money is kept within the local community. Local businesses often maintain and repair products and that can also help to avoid waste and reduce the amount of lorries delivering goods in the Valley.? The two events will be held in Gunnislake on March 10 and Tavistock on March 13 between 10am and noon and are open to all. Anyone interested in discussing how they can help local businesses to encourage people to buy more of their goods and services locally, are welcome to attend the events. There will be locally produced refreshments and a chance to meet local businesses. Everyone attending will also receive a free local gift. The workshops are being organised by Westden who are working with Tamar Community Futures and Tamar Valley AONB to encourage more business within the valley. Businesses interested in being involved should call Anna Kennedy at Westden on 0845 345 5077.
