On Friday 6th March, John Bercow visited Long Crendon to add his voice to the Go Gorilla campaign in aid of supporting local business.

“This subject is very close to my heart” says Bercow “We must all accept some responsibility for surviving in these difficult times and it is great to see a small community being pro-active and getting their message out there - good stuff!”

The initiative, being led by Side A a local design and marketing business and the Long Crendon Parish Council, is aimed at both residents and businesses in the locality and is intended to create a small groundswell of interest in some of the fantastic but unsung local businesses.

Simon Ashley of Side A says “we are instituting a raft of activities aimed at showcasing the skills and talents of local companies to the surrounding area. Not many local business can
afford to keep a marketing agency on a retainer, but that doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be able to receive straight forward marketing advice and free exposure.

Our strategy involves:

• Driving site traffic to www.longcrendon.com - a soon to be live portal listing all our local businesses and service providers
• Local advertising to encourage residents to choose local suppliers
• PR activity to raise awareness of the schemes available
• Free business clinics - 45 minute brand and marketing sessions

Mike Le Brun Chairman of the Long Crendon Parish Council said: “Local business is the heartblood of our village. Far from being a satellite town for Thame or Aylesbury, we want people to realise what a wealth of services and professionalism exists within our village - from the indiustrial estate to hidden gems in and around the village.

Photo: John Bercow visits Long Crendon to add his
voice to the Go Gorilla campaign - in aid of supporting local business.