There are approximately 6,300 residents in Tadcaster. Many of whom work in the town centre or nearby – just steps away from our high street shops.
One of our Totally Locally Tadcaster mottos is: “If every adult spent £10 a week locally, the local economy would be boosted by over £2.4 million a year.”
The benefits of supporting local businesses and simply walking to the high street are significant. Beyond the physical exercise and fresh air, there’s much to gain:
- Investing in your local community, which enhances your sense of belonging and wellbeing
- Enjoying the beautiful Georgian buildings, scenic river, and historic 15th-century church – a treat for the eyes
- The social benefits – if you’re local, you’ll likely spot a friendly face for a quick chat
As one resident said in a recent survey about our town identity: “How many towns can say they have 3 breweries, an array of pubs, numerous eating places, a wide range of takeaways, beautiful river landscape, and long-established businesses such as Kirkgate Fisheries, Allen’s Ironmongers, and Gallery 42? Not to mention fresh butchers and social clubs like Magnets who arrange community events. And the amazing events the Riley Smith Hall puts on – there aren’t many places like this anymore. We’re so lucky!”
Fortunately for many of our businesses such as our barbers, salons and takeaways, experiential services are experiencing significant and sustained growth, driven by consumers prioritising experiences and often unique, memorable activities over material goods.
However, our local shops are increasingly under threat thanks to the raise in online shopping as a legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But let me ask you this: how many times have you ordered online only for the product to fail to meet expectations or arrive when expected? Have you had to buy twice or deal with returns, heading to the high street at the last minute anyway? Wouldn’t it have been better to buy it in person from the start?
A Relentlessly Postive Approach
Totally Locally Tadcaster operates on a simple philosophy – be kind, stay positive, and work together. It’s all about people who love where they live, gathering in cafes and pubs, sharing ideas, and supporting one another. It’s the same spirit that saw us through the bridge collapse and every challenge since.
Our success comes from recognizing a simple truth: together, we are stronger. When businesses support each other, when residents choose local, when we all contribute a little to the “community pie,” we create something resilient and vibrant that can weather any storm – literal or metaphorical.
Invest in Your Town, Invest in Your Future
If we want to contribute to the regeneration of our town, we must act collectively!
Every time you choose a local business over a faceless online giant, you’re making a choice about what kind of community you want to live in. You’re choosing connection over convenience, relationships over transactions, and community over isolation.
The businesses on our high street and beyond aren’t just shops – they’re the places where we bump into friends, discover something new, and feel part of something bigger than ourselves. They’re run by people who brought cake to construction workers, who helped clear flood damage, who kept going when the bridge collapse made everything harder.
Join the Movement
Tadcaster has always had a spirit that refuses to be divided – not by floodwaters, not by physical barriers, not by challenges of any kind. Totally Locally Tadcaster channels that spirit into action every single day.
So next time you need something, before you automatically click “add to basket” on Amazon, ask yourself: could I get this from one of our wonderful local businesses? Could I take a walk down Bridge Street or High Street and see what I might discover? Could I invest just a little more in the community that has proven time and again it will invest right back in us?
Because when we shop local, we’re not just buying products. We’re buying into a vision of Tadcaster where independent businesses thrive, where community connections flourish, and where that indomitable Tadcaster spirit continues to grow stronger with each passing day.
Love where you live and put your money where your house is. You might just make it better.
Want to get involved with Totally Locally Tadcaster? Check out our participating businesses and the TADvantage card campaign, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or get in touch with Kate@tadcasterandrural.co.uk to learn how you can contribute to making our community even stronger.