Winchester BID kicks off Independent Business Month with map to the city’s finest indie vendors

July marks the start of Independent Business Month, and the team at Winchester BID are once again keen to celebrate businesses doing it for themselves across the city.

This week they launched the free #IndieWinch pocket map featuring everything from restaurants and cafes to tailors and salons, making for a total of more than 190 independent shopfronts.

Throughout the month they’ll also be releasing photos, short films, and radio interviews showcasing some of the city’s most beloved businesses and asking what it means to them to call Winchester home.

Also coming up on Sunday 9 July is Hampshire Fare’s first ever Winchester Food Festival, putting the spotlight on local chefs and producers.

Sarah Davis, manager of Winchester BID, said: “It’s an indication of how well a city is doing when you notice not just the arrival of new businesses but also the growth and expansion of existing businesses.

“The independent shops of Winchester continue to grow and flourish in challenging times. They have become more creative offering high quality, value for money, different products as well as first class service.

“The supportive network of over 200 independent businesses in the city centre makes Winchester vibrant, interesting and a special place for residents, visitors, workers, and students to enjoy.

“Our independent food and drink offering stretches across the continents to ensure that all tastes are catered for, whilst our independent retailers offer products that are unique to our city.”

It’s a sentiment echoed by plenty of local business owners, including Martin Smart of Cornflowers Gift Shop.

Speaking during last year’s Independent Business Month, he said: “One of the most valuable benefits of being an independent in Winchester is that we have such a diverse range of businesses providing support for each other and creating a thriving business community.

“Winchester independents provide unrivalled customer service, often knowing our customers individually.

“Being able to offer the personal touch, and as such creating a unique customer destination, sets us apart from the regular multinationals found in the city.”

• The pocket map is available to view online here. Find out more about the participating businesses over the course of July using the hashtag #IndieWinch.