Why we exist

Stories worth finding on the high street

We like finding the story behind a familiar shopfront and hearing what makes a local business part of its community. Our aim is to help local readers discover the independents nearby and to give those businesses a fair, editorial place to be heard.

We are a publication, not a marketing agency. Every feature is written to inform and celebrate, never to sell.

How we work

Our commitments to readers and businesses

We choose stories with care, looking for independent businesses and the people behind them across our three counties. Our features are written in plain, unhurried language so that anyone can enjoy them, and we welcome submissions from local businesses for free editorial consideration.

Our community is part of the magazine. We value reader tips, local suggestions and collaboration with the businesses we feature, and we keep our editorial independent of any paid listing or advertising arrangement.