Being local and ethical matters

Being local and ethical matters

Knowing what motivates your customers means you can position your business to best serve their needs and meet their expectations.

Better still, you may discover you’re already doing what your customers favour without trying – because they’re already intrinsic to your business.

In a nutshell, our research shows UK adults want to support those business that support others and that support their local community. So being local and caring about how you do business can give you an edge.

Elavon surveyed[1] more than 1100 people in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland aged between 16 and 75.

The majority (90%) of respondents said they want to purchase from business who are responsible and sustainable, and plan to increase buying from brands with ethical credentials.

Businesses are also focused on their roles within the local economy.

Four out of five (80%) SMEs report that being recognised as a local business had become more important over the past year.

In addition, almost three quarters (74%) of respondents surveyed indicated that their local communities had stepped up to support their business. 

^{[1] Ipsos MORI online survey conducted in UK May 28-June 1, 2021 of 1129 respondents aged 16-75.}

^{[2] Savanta survey conducted in UK April 15-April 30, 2021 of 160 SME retailers.}