After a year, Sedgemoor fm’s Think Local First campaign is set to enter an exciting new phase with enhanced outreach and community engagement. The campaign, which encourages people to support local businesses and services before opting for larger chains or online shopping, has gained strong backing from local businesses and organisations.

Speaking to an audience of more than 40 local businesses last Friday, Neil Fellowes, Marketing Director at Sedgemoor fm, highlighted the positive response over the past 12 months. “We’ve had fantastic feedback from local businesses and community groups who say they appreciate the message and want to get behind it.”

Starting from April 1st, Sedgemoor fm will increase its focus on the campaign with new on-air messaging from it’s presenters and sponsors. This will be backed by social media awareness pieces, and a series of fun and engaging activities designed to get the public involved.

Fellowes stressed the importance of the campaign’s message, saying, “When we buy online, usually 100% of what we spend leaves the local economy and never comes back. That negatively impacts local businesses, which in turn affects jobs, opportunities, and lifestyle. By thinking local first, we can strengthen our community and create a more sustainable future for Bridgwater and the Somerset Levels.”

Dave Englefield, Managing Director at Sedgemoor fm, added, “When you support a local business, you’re not just helping that business, you’re helping the people who work there and the families they support. It’s about creating a stronger, more connected community.”

As Drive Show presenter Mike Whittingham puts it, “We can’t keep buying online and complaining when the high street disappears!”

Andy Saunders, host of evening shows, Stressbuster and the Love Show adds, “It’s not just shopping. It’s investing in where we live.”

Sedgemoor fm is calling on local businesses, residents, charities, and other organisations to join the movement and support the local economy. “We’re asking people to think local first, whenever and wherever they can,” added Fellowes. “It’s not about avoiding big retailers or online options all together – it’s about considering local options first and supporting our community when it’s possible.”

Mark Painter, presenter of the weekday mornings show says, “Thinking Local First provides better jobs, better services, and a stronger community.”

Local businesses and individuals interested in getting involved are encouraged to contact Sedgemoor fm through the website to learn more about how they can lend their support.

Photo credit: Justin Krause – Impact 20Twenty