Businesses across Richmond are getting involved in the 'Magic Tenner' event this month.

Visitors to the town will be able to buy bundles of goods for just £10.

The initiative hopes boost the local economy and encourage people to use independent shops.

Paul Harrison, chairman of Original Richmond Business and Tourism Association, was keen to emphasise the positive knock-on effect of the £10 spent.

Read more: Fight goes on to save historic village pub

 

He said: "That boost is much bigger than just the £10 you spend.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Fiona Hall, Communications Manager at Green Howards Museum

"This is because most independent businesses buy from many other local businesses too.

"When you spend £10 with one, it enables them to keep buying from those suppliers.

"The money goes round and round Richmond’s local economy.

"This is really important as it strengthens our town and helps hundreds of small businesses to thrive, making Richmond a better place to live, work and visit.

"Buying online, or at the big national chains and supermarkets has a much smaller effect, as most (or all) of the money leaves the local economy.”

"Alongside the superb £10 offers, shops will be displaying posters showing how many local suppliers they have, to demonstrate how supporting one local business supports many others.

"These businesses can include makers, growers, accountants, electricians, in fact any local suppliers at all - even where the business owner buys lunch!  

"The ‘money-go-round’ is what makes Richmond thrive."

A study carried out by The New Economics Foundation think tank demonstrated that £10 spent in a local business could mean up to £50 being spent in the local economy as it was re-spent.

Chris Sands, founder of Totally Local which is organising the event, said: "We are always blown away by the response from indie businesses to our campaigns, and the reports of increased footfall and sales at a time when the cost-of-living crisis is hitting many people.

"The Magic Tenner event is a good way for shops to support their communities by offering great deals, and for the community to support those shops that make our towns better places.

"It really is a win-win situation."