What individuals can do:

Try something local from somewhere local or just ‘shop independently’.

Grabbing a sandwich for lunch or popping out for a coffee? Why not give the chains a miss for a change, and check out an independent sandwich bar, café or takeout. While you’re there, why not try some local produce? – we all know Cheddar from Cheddar, but what about Somerset Brie, Mendip Halloumi or Bath Blue?

Need to find a birthday present? Why not seek out something more individual from one of Bristol’s many designers, artists and craftspeople? There are some great quirky stores and pop-up shops around town, where you can buy direct from makers.

Buying something for yourself? Skip the chainstores, and experience the staff expertise of an independent bookstore, record stall or hardware shop. Stand out from the crowd – you’ll find something different in the city’s great independent clothes shops.

Thinking about dinner? Why not pick up your ingredients from the Farmers’ Market in Corn Street, rather than having to rely on the dull selection at the convenience supermarket on the way home.

Going out for the evening? What about some independent entertainment at an independent cinema, or pub theatre? Why not try a local brew in an independent pub or bar. Who wants to eat and drink exactly the same things, wherever they go in the country?