Be a #CaringCustomer and Support Your Local!

Produced in Kent has joined forces with Visit Kent to encourage consumers to actively support their local pub, restaurant and food tourism attractions by signing the #CaringCustomer pledge on the Help Kent Buy Local website. The joint campaign dubbed Support Your Local has proved extremely popular with hundreds of hospitality outlets across the county listing their businesses on Support Your Local and sharing their own Covid safety plans. It is hoped that this initiative, which will run from July to December 2020, will provide a much-needed boost to Kent’s £2.6 billion visitor economy, which has been badly hit since the pandemic. Foodie Fans are encouraged to sign the Caring Customer Pledge and share the message to inspire others to support Kent’s local restaurants, pubs, cafes and hotels by following the simple guidelines in the pledge. These include promising to Respect, Protect and Enjoy establishments as each one adapts to post-lockdown circumstances. Caring customers can proudly display the #CaringCustomer badge on their social media and are actively encouraged to share their experiences and leave online reviews, using the hashtag #CaringCustomer. “We need the people to engage now more than ever. When lockdown commenced in March, operations in the hospitality industry all but ceased and the financial consequences are unfortunately already evident with some establishments being closed permanently. We have to support the hospitality and leisure businesses. These establishments have been amongst the last to re-open following the easing of lockdown restrictions and their position is still very vulnerable.” Produced in Kent’s Chief Executive Floortje Hoette comments, “many outlets need more staff in order to implement even more stringent health and safety procedures and more rigorous cleaning schedules but can serve fewer customers. A worrying trend of no-shows is really putting another layer of pressure on these outlets. “However, it is so clear that customer’s enjoyment remains a priority. By signing the pledge and sharing your experience, you can show these businesses that you really appreciate them, and are ready to support them as much as you can.” Support your Local encourages consumers to show their love for their favourite food and drink businesses - and show their care for staff and fellow diners too! Lisa-Jane Fraser, Proprietor at Frasers of Egerton comments, “This is an amazing initiative, and in these unprecedented times supporting our local businesses has never been more important' Shepherd Neame Brewery Chief Executive, Jonathan Neame says, “We are delighted to support this fantastic initiative. Kent boasts a vibrant, diverse hospitality sector, and in these extremely difficult times it is more important than ever before to celebrate and support the local, independent businesses at its heart.” Sam Nightingale, founder and maker of Nightingale Cider comments: ‘I support this campaign wholeheartedly.  It’s so important in the coming weeks as we start to tentatively dip our toes into the new world, that we are respectful of others, and conscientious of personal boundaries.  We’ve all been through a traumatic experience, it’s going to take time to adjust! We can’t wait to share a drink, a yarn and a laugh again in a responsible fashion!’ Further details about taking part in the Caring Customer Pledge, as well as an interactive map showing local suppliers and other useful information associated with the Support Your Local scheme, can be found on the Help Kent Buy Local  website.