Support local businesses this festive period

Islington’s small, local and independent businesses are at the heart of our local economy and open for business over the festive winter celebrations.

How to support local and independent businesses

Islington’s brilliant small, local businesses are a big part of what makes the borough such a great place to live, work, and visit. Many rely on the festive season to see them through quieter times of the year. 

Try these easy ways to support small and independent businesses.

Festive events on your high street 

Islington’s town centres and high streets are vibrant hubs packed with unique shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs, lively markets and much more. So, whether you're heading for Angel, Archway, Cally, Finsbury Park, or Nag’s Head and Holloway, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for!

And during the festive season, many of Islington’s high streets and town centres will have a little extra sparkle with free festive events where you can enjoy live music, free mince pies and family-friendly activities. 

Love your local markets 

Islington’s markets are full of independent traders providing a wide range of affordable products. These spaces help bring people in the local community together and are also very popular with tourists and visitors.  

How we’re supporting small and local businesses in Islington

Islington's small businesses play a vital role in our local economy and recent challenges, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, have made it more important than ever that our small businesses have access to the support they need to grow and thrive.

There are a range of ongoing and new or upcoming schemes for small businesses that can provide support, help and advice - from recruitment support through to discounted membership to the Federation of Small Businesses. 

Providing affordable workspace

Islington is full of talented, creative and ambitious people. Through our affordable workspace programme, we want to support them to start or grow a business. There are a range of hi-spec, flexible workspaces in Islington. No matter what business you’re in, you’ll find a local space that’s right for you in the heart of London.

Want regular updates about vacancies and free events? Sign up for our affordable workspace bulletin.

Working in partnership: Islington Anchor Institution Network

Together with nine other major employers and key organisations, we're dedicated to working in partnership to boost the local economy and helping to create a more equal borough.

Anchor Institutions employ a lot of people, have significant purchasing power, and own or manage buildings and land. The way they do each of these things makes a significant difference to local communities. The anchor institutions are committed to:

• Employ locally: making sure that as many jobs within the anchor institutions as possible are open and accessible to Islington residents
• Buy locally: supporting existing and emerging local businesses to deliver affordable, quality goods and services to maximise local social value and wealth creation
• Lead locally: managing and developing buildings and spaces to create accessible, sustainable and better assets and places

Community wealth building

For more information about how we are supporting Islington’s local economy, read more about community wealth building and helping to shape a more equal local economy where wealth is fairly shared, and residents and businesses have a genuine stake in their local community.