Boris Johnson urges the UK Buy British (Image: Getty)
Boris Johnson today backs a crusading Daily Express call-to-action aimed at boosting hard-pressed British high streets and businesses. As the national lockdown ends and hundreds of thousands of shops prepare to reopen, the Prime Minister praised our Brilliantly British campaign. “It’s fantastic that the Daily Express is encouraging us all to spread that festive cheer around UK producers, growers, manufacturers and retailers by buying Brilliantly British this December,” he said.
He implored consumers to “make this a Christmas to remember” and praised our 15-day campaign, which will roll out a series of great offers, discounts, competitions and shopping ideas in this newspaper and here at express.co.uk.
By buying British, said Mr Johnson, you’ll “put a spring in the step of the farmer who grew your sprouts, the kitchen table entrepreneur who stitched your son or daughter’s babygrow, the factory worker whose job is secure thanks to your custom”.
Over the next two weeks, the Express will bring you a superb selection of the best of British producers.
Many are familiar names with a high-street presence, others are tiny boutiques.
Some are iconic brands, renowned throughout the world – such as Jaguar Land Rover and designer handbag retailer Mulberry – but we also have small craftsmen and women who can afford only to sell online.
And all of them are working hard to keep this country’s time-honoured skills, traditions and spirit of entrepreneurship alive.
Boris passionately believes in Britain (Image: Getty)
Each one has produced quality goods, helped secure jobs, and invested in craftsmanship even while the pandemic and two national lockdowns helped to create one of the worst economic crises ever to hit our nation.
It’s been a tough year, and the British economy is not expected to return to pre-Covid output until the fourth quarter of 2022.
Our campaign launch comes as experts warn of a £9billion slump in retail sales in the 2020 run-up to Christmas compared to this time last year, and Philip Green’s Arcadia empire poised on the brink.
The British Independent Retailers Association said: “It’s the most important December ever for retailers.”
Indeed, because if the nation’s traders can survive for a few more months, the whole country will benefit.
Camelot is supporting the Daily Express campaign (Image: Express)
Brexit, with all its freedoms and opportunities, is only weeks away.
COVID vaccines are on the horizon, promising a return to normal life.
So now, more than ever before, British businesses need YOUR help to thrive.
Our Brilliantly British campaign will feature products across a wide range of industries, from fashion and engineering to farming and beauty goods.
We will tell you all about the people behind the products, and how their dedication, passion and expertise feeds into everything they do.
Celebrity chefs will tell you about the best produce from their regions, sharing their secrets about top local suppliers.
Plus, there will be fantastic competitions with exciting prizes and great discounts available exclusively to Daily Express readers to thank you for your custom.
Businesses taking part include popular brands, such as skincare company Neal’s Yard Remedies and British jewellery designer Alex Monroe, whose charm necklace was worn recently by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
But there are smaller start-ups too, including Bury Black Pudding Company, founded by former market stall Saturday girl Debbie Pierce, and luxury dog bed brand Hugo & Otto, launched after years of hard saving by Cheshire-based designer Caroline Bate.
Brilliantly British is being supported by one of the UK’s best-loved consumer brands, Camelot, which runs the National Lottery.
Nigel Railton, Camelot UK chief executive, said: “At this time of national crisis, I’m proud to support the Brilliantly British campaign which is designed to get us all pulling together, buying British products and supporting British retailers and manufacturers.”
Our first competition is open to amateur photographers, with an amazing Brilliantly British “money can’t buy” prize.
And tomorrow you can enjoy the first in our series of Brilliantly British products, featuring quality UK clothing brands offering a host of discounts for Daily Express readers.
As the Prime Minister says: “Let’s make this a Christmas to remember by buying British.”
