Small is beautiful
What the modern equivalent is of the phrase ‘every penny counts’ is difficult to say for those of us living in a cashless economy. But the gist of it – that lots of small amounts of money can make a pretty tidy sum indeed – is what a recent campaign in one of our Cotswold market towns was all about. Mock it you might, but the Nailsworth Fiver Festival - encouraging everyone who lives near or in the town to spend just an extra £5 a week – managed that
meant, it was rather impromptu – and that is one of the most encouraging aspects. “We did not really get too organised, and encouraged
elusive success marketeers call ‘traction’. Shops, cafés, restaurants, pubs and businesses put on special £5 offers. Instagram, Facebook and Twitter were utilised, as were banners. A community had a new cause. Legend has it, that the idea was brought to Nailsworth by Emma Hunter, who runs the wool and craft shop, Mother Goose Crafts, in Market Street, who returned inspired after seeing it at work in Crickhowell,Wales. It helps if your town is already a thoroughly interesting place to explore, but the bottom line of the campaign – its potential financial impact - is a powerful motivation.
people by word of mouth with some social media,” said Ms Thompson, who said everyone had been pleasantly surprised by the difference which seems to have been made. “We think it went really quiet here earlier this year and we were looking around for something which might help bring people back to the town. “We were a bit late getting started, but the town really embraced it. We have about 40 businesses join. It was such a success, we are now getting more organised and plan to run it for a week from August 24. “And one of the aims will be to get businesses promoting businesses across the town, so everyone is encouraging customers to visit other
“If every adult in the town spent an extra £5 per week in Nailsworth that would put an extra £1.2 million back into the community a year and also provide more local jobs,” said Helen Thompson, one of those who spearheaded the campaign. Ms Thompson, originally a native of Yorkshire, but embedded in Nailsworth for 20 years now, runs Betty & Beattie's Vintage Interiors in Market Street and has done for three years. She admits that, although the campaign was well-
shops and hopefully that will also have an impact.” She added: “It is not an original idea. Totally Locally is a national campaign model we simply signed up to and used as a template. They plan to run a national £5 festival in October – and we will jump on that too.” To find out about future campaigns visit Totally Locally Nailsworth Facebook page. Or simply go direct to the town itself and explore l
I WORKWELLWITH OTHERS WHEN THEY LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE
Why High Street bookmakers are closing? I’d have £5 on the Dalai Lama… If I was a Tibetan man l
4 | July 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
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