UK publishers back efforts to kick-start country
Print Innovations | 05 July 2020
Countries and cities across the world are starting to unlock.
The UK economy — like many others — took a massive hit over the past months as the whole country was practically drawn to a halt.
Devastatingly, this caused many to lose their jobs and livelihoods.
The nation’s news brands were there for their readers during the pandemic and are there for them after, as they help kick-start the economy, encourage new business ventures to flourish, and help support people to get back on their feet.
Take a look at a few examples:
Daily Mirror: Shop for Britain
Non-essential shops reopened in the United Kingdom on June 15 after weeks of being closed. The lockdown is said to have cost the retail sector £1.8 billion per week in lost sales. To support British businesses and help save our high streets, the Daily Mirror started a “Shop for Britain” campaign.
“Shop for Britain” encouraged readers to make a conscious decision about where and what to shop. This meant encouraging readers to buy from both independent retailers and chain stores, and buy British-made products and services where possible.
The Daily Mirror also just launched a month-long initiative called “Helping Hands” aimed at aiding readers, businesses, and communities by running editorial on topics such as well-being, personal finances, and fundraising.
Evening Standard: Spirit of London
To celebrate and support innovation in the city of London, the news brand launched a campaign to find the next Uber or Slack.
The campaign asked the city’s entrepreneurs to put forward their best business ideas for a chance to be featured in the newspaper and receive expert advice and support in seeking investment.
After the campaign launched, the news brand also announced the it is teaming up with venture capital firm Triple Point to offer inspiring entrepreneurs funds between £100,000 and £150,000 to kick start their businesses. In total, the two organisations hope to back an amazing 10 businesses.
The Sun: Bounce Back Britain
The Sun’s campaign is lending a helping hand to people, communities, and small businesses that suffered due to the pandemic.
Features online and in print include everything from getting people back into the job market by offering CV writing tips and career advice to “the corona crew,” a hotline that answers readers’ burning questions about returning to work, consumer issues, and their rights as normality is restored.
As school holidays emerge and staycations are in the cards for many, The Sun is offering readers bargain breaks at more 330 holiday parks across the country.
These are only a few of the initiatives the country’s news brands launched to boost morale, support readers, and help the country rebound after the coronavirus crisis.
Banner image courtesy of Gustavo Fring from Pexels.