COUNCILS across Mid Essex have given their backing to a new click and collect scheme which aims to help out independent businesses.
As Essex’s economy prepares to get back on its feet after the effects of the pandemic, the Click It Local project is set to be rolled out in the next few weeks.
It was put forward by the North Essex Economic Board (NEEB), a partnership of local authorities across mid and North Essex including Braintree Council, Maldon District Council, Chelmsford City Council, and Essex County Council.
An e-commerce platform, Click It Local allows shops to showcase their products to customers in the area.
Shoppers can buy items online from multiple outlets and have them delivered in one package, or ‘click and collect’ themselves at hubs across Essex.
Founder Steve Koch said: “I love shopping locally so wanted to find a way to help small shops offer the same level of speed and convenience that today’s online customers have come to expect.
“Our aim is to ensure we can all continue to shop local, support independent shops and provide for the local community.”
As part of the expansion, new hubs will be set up in Chelmsford and Colchester, while additional staff are being taken on.
The scheme already started in Uttlesford in November 2020 and is proving popular.
The councils now launching under NEEB are funding the first six months of membership to Click It Local for businesses, after which retailers pay 7.5 per cent commission on sales.
Braintree economy spokesman Tom Cunningham said: “Across our area we have a wealth of fantastic small, often independent, businesses offering some amazing products.
“Click It Local means they can access the same online markets as bigger names – and indeed the whole scheme promotes independent retailers as an option to residents.”
Maldon District Council leader Wendy Stamp said: “High streets and independent retailers have had it tough going during the pandemic, especially during lockdowns, so this initiative will help them to get back on their feet and open up another market for them to sell their products.”
Chelmsford spokesman Mike Mackrory said: “Even as the roadmap continues and retailers can hopefully re-open soon we know many people will either be nervous to head to town centres, or will have fully moved across to online shopping.
“Click It Local means smaller, independent businesses don’t miss out.”
The NEEB partnership will push ahead with other projects including apprenticeships, jobs fairs and the Essex County Council Kickstart scheme in the coming months.
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