London company launches "supermarket alternative" platform for small retailers

A London company that supports independent retailers has announced that it is expanding across the UK with the launch of its online platform.

Local & Independent has launched the platform as an alternative to supermarkets, allowing small retailers to sell their products across the country.

The company aims to bring together ethical sellers, and has so far seen 30 businesses sign up to the platform.

Products include fresh seafood from Cornish Shellfish Co, meat from Dorset farm Lyons Hill, vegetables and wine from the Gladwin Brothers in Sussex and London honey from Hive & Keeper.

Craig Allen, founder of Local & Independent, commented: “Learning about where your food and drink comes from and the passion behind these products is extremely important to consumers.

“I want our partners to feel that they can use the Local & Independent platform to tell their stories and enable people to fall in love with what they are trying to achieve with their produce – it’s consumers getting the best on offer and at the same time supporting producers to enable them to stay in business and make a profit.”