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Publisher offers £1m of support to businesses through regional titles’ campaign

Alan EdmundsA regional publisher is to offer a million pounds worth of free marketing support to businesses as lockdown measures are gradually eased.

Reach plc has today launched a new campaign called #BackForGood across 22 daily newspapers and more than 60 regional digital titles.

Reach is offering the first 10,000 companies to supply their details to the new #BackforGood directory a free InYourArea business membership for one year, which the publisher says is worth a total of £1m.

The participating titles will be supporting the launch in the coming weeks with specially created ‘re-opening’ What’s On editorial, as well as business to business content.

The campaign, which Reach describes as the “biggest regional editorial and commercial initiative of its kind to date”, is also endorsed by the British Independent Retailers Association.

Reach chief operating officer Alan Edmunds, pictured, said: “Reach’s regional titles are passionate about supporting retail which is the beating heart of every community.

“Our entire regional editorial, marketing and sales business is rallying to ensure that local businesses are given every chance to succeed on the high street and online.”

Andrew Goodacre, BIRA chief executive, added: “Independent retailers have suffered their worst ever year since 23 March 2020, when the first lockdown started.

“Despite this, they will look forward to re-opening and serving customers. It is, however, a real make-or-break situation for many retail businesses.

“They now need to know two things – that lockdowns are a thing of the past, and that customers will return to the high street with confidence.

“We know the retailers will keep shopping safe and we hope the shoppers reciprocate by returning to the shops and come Back for Good.”