Independent Birmingham: Supporting Local Businesses
Joe Schuppler
Listen to our episode of Birmingham food podcast Breaking Bread with Independent Birmingham creator Joe Schuppler Press play on the player above. Alternatively, listen on your favourite podcast app, just select from the list on this LINK
Who Is Independent Birmingham Creator Joe Schuppler?
Hello & welcome to the Birmingham food podcast breaking bread. Co-hosted by food-obsessed mates Liam & Carl. Breaking Bread gives you long-form interviews & discussions with the incredible people who make Brums food scene so unique.
This week we have the pleasure of breaking bread with Joe Schuppler. While at university studying to be an accountant, Joe fell in love with all the awesome independents he & his mates were frequenting. When he got back to Brum he realised he couldn’t name one independent in Birmingham.
What Is Independent Birmingham?
Joe decided to create a website with a directory of all the best independently owned shops, bars & restaurants. Independent Birmingham was born, proving to be highly popular. There were thousands of people like Joe, who wanted to support independent businesses.
As the website grew, Joe introduced a membership option that entitled members to fantastic offers at incredible independents all over the city. The true aim of the membership was to get people out there into Birmingham & actually support Independents.
“You can tell somebody’s poured their heart & soul into it”, Joe replies to my question about what makes independents so special. “These people do these businesses because they love what they do, they have a passion which they inject into it”. Joe continues with passion & emotion, He’s animated, the way you are when you’re talking about something you’re truly passionate about. It’s clear Joe genuinely loves what he does. Loves promoting & screaming about the ever-growing community of independent businesses in Brum. Even if it does take up seventy hours of his week
How Do I Join Independent Birmingham?
Today Independent Birmingham has a social media following of several thousand. The membership is now an app, which you can download here. For just £1.99 a month you get deals & money off at over 150 amazing independents. This is a fabulous way for you to support independent businesses in Birmingham for not a lot of money. The membership fee not only gets you great offers but it helps IB support & promote all of these fantastic businesses. It’s a win-win.
Breaking Bread With Independent Birmingham
Independent businesses are the lifeblood of Birmingham, adding character and charm to the city’s streets. Independent Birmingham is an initiative that aims to support these businesses by shining a light on them and encouraging people to visit them. The initiative was started by Joe Schuppler, who returned to Birmingham after three years and realised the value of independent businesses. In our latest podcast we explore the importance of supporting local independent businesses, the challenges they face, and how they are helping to overcome them.
Why Support Local Independent Businesses?
There is something special about independent businesses that sets them apart from their larger counterparts. Independent business owners are passionate about what they do, and they pour their hearts and souls into their businesses. They do not do it just for the money, but because they love what they do. This passion is reflected in the unique products and services they offer, which add to the character of the city.
Moreover, supporting local independent businesses is essential for the local economy. According to research by the Centre for Local Economic Strategies, for every £1 spent in a local independent business, 63p stays in the local economy, compared to just 40p when spent in a larger chain store. Supporting independent businesses also creates jobs in the local community and helps to keep money circulating locally, which benefits everyone.
The Challenges of Independent Businesses
Despite the many benefits of independent businesses, they face several challenges, especially during these challenging times. The rising costs of energy bills and living expenses make it difficult for small businesses to compete with larger chain stores. The ongoing pandemic has also had a significant impact on many independent businesses, forcing them to close their doors or adapt to new ways of doing business.
How Independent Birmingham is Helping?
Independent Birmingham is an organisation that aims to support local independent businesses by promoting them through its website, social media, and events. They also have an app that allows users to find independent businesses in their area and access exclusive discounts and deals. By shining a light on independent businesses, It is helping to create a supportive community that values local businesses and helps them thrive.
The initiative has been successful in encouraging people to support independent businesses. Over the years, thousands of people have visited independent businesses through the initiative, and the number continues to grow. By supporting Independent Birmingham, people are supporting the local economy and helping to keep the city’s character and charm intact.
In conclusion, Independent businesses are an essential part of Birmingham’s character, and they deserve our support. By supporting independent businesses, we can help to create a thriving local economy and keep money circulating locally. Independent Birmingham is an initiative that is doing valuable work in promoting independent businesses and encouraging people to visit them. By supporting Independent Birmingham, we can help to ensure that the city’s independent businesses continue to thrive for years to come.
Independent Birmingham Full Podcast On YouTube
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