A new venture for independent shops in the Cotswolds has launched.
Shop Cotswolds is an online shopping hub for local food and drink and producers in the region. It has been designed to make it easy for shoppers to find food and experiences created by producers in the Cotswolds area. It will also support local food and drink businesses by providing a new shop window to generate sales and create awareness of their products and experiences.
Producers that will take part in the new hub include Shipton Mill, Meg Rivers, Little Oak Vineyard, and Beckfords Rum.
Shop Cotswolds co-founder Nicola Hardy said: "All the data shows the Cotswolds in one of the most popular destinations in the UK when it comes to quality food and drink, history and heritage and the array of independent shops."
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Co-founder Caroline Topping added: "There's so much more on offer than delicious food and drink products. Many businesses offer tours and workshops so can you experience first-hand some of the local produce, or you can buy them as gifts."
Ms Hardy continued: "We identified a gap in the market. Shop Cotswolds will allow consumers to find local food and drink on one easy to use site. This will help drive traffic for producers, allow shoppers to buy local reducing food miles and, ultimately, bring long term benefits to the region's economy. We are very excited about the potential for Shop Cotswolds."
Ms Hardy and Ms Topping live in the Cotswolds and are passionate about supporting the community and protecting the economy and environment. Their new venture engages with local councils and local tourism bodies to promote local food and drink producers on a domestic and international level.
They also work with partners that provide support in services such as sustainability and merchandising. Previously both women were join secretaries at Cotswolds Taste for over five years, supporting the food, drink and hospitality and tourism sectors in the Cotswolds.
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