IN the run up to Christmas the spotlight is being turned on independent shops, tradespeople and businesses in Bridport in a bid to boost local trade.

It is the latest part of the Bridport Magic Tenner campaign, that Bidport Nub News reported on in May, as it began to promote 60 local independent businesses. It is a derivative of the national Totally Locally campaign founded in Calderdale, North Yorkshire in 2010 by branding and marketing expert Chris Sands.

There are now more than 60 towns in the UK who have gone 'Totally Locally' and has reached as far as New Zealand, USA and Australia.

Since the June launch the number of businesses involved in Bridport has grown to more than 100, each which can list a number of other local businesses they support.

These fellow independents range from shops to suppliers, to window cleaners and everything in between. Spending ten pounds with an independent shop can be worth up to £50 to the local economy by the money circulating round and round creating prosperity, creating jobs now and in the future.

The campaign has been successful locally, though not without its occasional disappointments.

A spokesperson for the Bridport campaign says: "The recent closure of Leakers bakery on East Street will impact on other businesses. Among them Chideock Champignons, Bridget's Market, The Decorator Centre, RJ Balson & Son, Elwell Fruit Farm, Footeprints, Ford Farm, RKL, Davy's Locker, Rawles, Top Sparks, Boilerman Ltd, Fruits of the Earth, Martin and Company Accountants, Moore's Biscuits and Creeds.

"Among these names are businesses with less visibility and it's these that the Magic Tenner campaign can help bring to light by telling the story of how all local businesses are connected.

Bridport team member Kim Squirrell adds: "Bridport has a huge number and range of local enterprises not only in the town centre but on our industrial estates and outlying villages it's what makes Bridport such a vibrant place to live in.

"Where we choose to spend our money will determine if it stays that way. Everyone on our East Street poster uses businesses off the high street.

"These hidden gems supply goods and services such as vehicle maintenance from Greig & Allen and Bridport Car Repairs. DIY supplies and building work from Bridport Timber, Bridport Building supplies, Darren Morgan Builders, Hussey and Briggs. Maintenance from Leo Davies Electrical and plumber Alan Horniblow. Hygeine and catering needs are met by AJ Supplies.

"In the creative sector there's Ash Moran Macrame supplying Yellow Gorse and poet Valerie Goodwin of the Bridport Shakespeare Company providing entertainment at Tortilla Cantina along with other local bands, artists and writers."

Anyone wanting to support or joing the campaign in Bridport can find out more by emailing: [email protected]