About Love Local

In 2007, a few of us at the Community Church in Hull were discussing what we loved about our area, and how we could get this message across better. The idea took hold when we decided to ask local businesses how they were doing and what would improve the local area. We discovered that many were struggling, and this was well before there was any talk of recession. Many shopkeepers lived locally, and really cared about the local area, doing their best to help out where they could.

We also discovered a whole variety of great shops that we never knew existed. We realised that if we didn't know (and we've been around long enough) then probably lots of other people didn't either. So getting the message across became even more important then ever. And there Love Local was born.

Thanks to funding from the European Regional Development Fund and OneHull (Working Neighbourhoods Fund) we have been able to make this dream a reality. Seventy businesses have initially signed up to Love Local with a big launch event on Saturday 2nd May 2009 to coincide with May Bank Holiday weekend. This is all about rediscovering a love of local services, places and produce, and getting the word out about our wonderfully diverse and colourful community.

Love Local has achieved more than we could have hoped for! It has ignited the imaginations of hundreds of local people. Churches, schools, the police, fire, and council are all getting involved, and people are sensing a new confidence and pride in the place where we live. We hope that Love Local will spread beyond our street, out into other towns, cities and villages. Our hope is that you will catch the vision too!

So get inspired, get local, and get loving it!