The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is backing the #BackforGood campaign by Reach regional newspaper titles. The new campaign is offering a £1 million support package to kickstart hard-hit businesses.

Reach is helping businesses from all sectors reconnect with customers as lockdown measures ease. It is doing this via £1 million of free marketing support through an initiative called #BackForGood.

The campaign is the biggest regional editorial and commercial initiative of its kind to date.

#BackForGood, endorsed by Bira, will see newspapers across the country support the launch in the coming weeks. This includes specially created ‘re-opening’ What’s On editorial as well as business-to-business content.

Furthermore, Reach is offering the first 10,000 companies who supply their details to the new #BackForGood directory a free InYourArea business membership for one year worth a total of £1 million.

InYourArea Business membership allows companies to engage with thousands of potential customers by owning their area, building their profile, and being found in search. Full benefits are available here.

Bira will also be offering a 50% discount to new members in their first year.

This provides savings on crucial business services including product buying and card processing; legal and HR services and marketing, as well as discounts on vehicle purchases. BIRA also listens to its members’ needs and influences the media, changes Government legislation, and provides support and guidance on areas of strain like business rates, parking and staffing.

Commenting is Alan Edmunds, COO for Reach. “Reach’s regional titles are passionate about supporting retail, which is the beating heart of every community. Our entire regional editorial, marketing and sales business is rallying to ensure that local businesses are given every chance to succeed on the high street and online.”

Andrew Goodacre, BIRA CEO, adds; “Independent retailers have suffered their worst ever year since 23 March 2020, when the first lockdown started.

“Despite this, they will look forward to re-opening and serving customers. It is, however, a real make-or-break situation for many retail businesses. They now need to know two things – that lockdowns are a thing of the past, and that customers will return to the high street with confidence. We know the retailers will keep shopping safe and we hope the shoppers reciprocate by returning to the shops and come Back for Good.”

For further information on Bira, please click here.