As e-commerce giants continue to cannibalise the UK high street, the backlash against faceless retailers is accelerating, leading some shoppers to turn to smaller, local businesses – both online and off. How are these independent firms fostering long-term loyalty across channels?

In Canada, Mastercard has launched an initiative that helps women-owned culinary businesses by providing resources and funding. Focusing on three women who have overcome challenges to grow their businesses, the campaign demonstrates how the company is meeting expectations for empathy and support.

The high price of urban real estate has a growing number of debt-laden and ambitious Gen Yers moving out to the country to chase their American dream. Small towns offer closer communities and more space for families to grow – but what do young residents expect from life outside of the city?

Pandemic-induced lockdowns have hit the hospitality and retail industries hard, especially small businesses, and they’re struggling to recover. As shoppers adopt more local-first mindsets, All About Ipswich is encouraging people in Ipswich to spend to boost the local economy.