Coventrians called to champion independent businesses in city centre

A campaign to support independent businesses in Coventry has been launched by Coventry Business Improvement District (BID).

The city centre is home to over 80 independent businesses and residents are being urged to support them or risk losing their vibrant contribution.

Five have closed their doors in the centre since the start of the year, include Cafe Morso, The Cat Lounge, Chameleon, Metropolis and Bean & Brunch.

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But three new ones have opened this year with CV1 Ltd Menswear, Quick Feast and Phone Matters all opening in the last seven months.

Coventry BID Manager Joanne Glover said: "It’s no secret that the last few years have been really difficult for businesses and small, family-run, independent business have been some of the hardest hit.

"We have an incredible selection of independents in Coventry, each adds unique value to our offer and it is a massive blow every time one has to close its doors."

She added: "We’re simply looking for Coventrians and visitors to the city centre to spread the word by social media and word of mouth about the amazing independent businesses we have."

Coventry BID’s campaign launched appropriately on Independents Day on July 4 - a national action day to encourage support of independent businesses across the UK.

Independent businesses Fantasy and Reality, Olivers Jewellers and Phone Zone launched the campaign in the city centre

Coventry BID has been operating in the city centre for over 20 years and was voted in by levy-paying businesses for its fifth five-year term last year.

The BID works with its levy payers and the aim is to make the city centre a great place to visit and work.