The retail world is looking forward to more people getting out and about, shopping and enjoying Braidwood and the surrounding villages as spring takes effect.

It's the time of year when so many businesses and volunteers are working harder than ever on events and activities that will help locals and visitors enjoy the lifestyle and experiences on offer.

And it is the time of year for locals and visitors to support and reward businesses and volunteers for their efforts.

The encouragement to 'shop local' is very important for customers to adopt so that they can support the long term existence, let alone profitability, of local retail businesses.

By shopping local you also have the opportunity of supporting local producers, growers and makers - your community.

The Braidwood and Villages Business Chamber (BVBC) is continuing to encourage businesses to join the chamber.

They will become part of a collaborative group that will work together to help businesses to grow their own skills and expertise, be involved on opportunities that can generate more business for them, and address challenges impacting on businesses and the wider community.

We will be working closely with QPRC contacts to follow up opportunities from recent tourism-focused workshops for member businesses, as well as a recent meeting of new members that also raised a couple of strong opportunities for the chamber to help guide how QPRC can support the business community.

Enjoy the early days of spring with the warmth, budding trees and, hopefully, rainfall and help your business community enjoy it by SHOPPING LOCAL!