Supporting Local Business

Introducing Harrisons Hampers – Saying Thank You Locally

Harrisons believe in giving back to the community in whatever way we can.  Whether it’s raising money for charity, sponsoring local events), calling for the right type of properties to be built locally, or supporting local business and shopping locally.

We have come up with a few ideas as to how we can do this.  The first of which was to create a “Thank You” hamper for our clients containing items that are sourced and made locally.

Local Business Collaboration

Drawn By Freya

From the moment we came across talented local artist and former Sittingbourne school pupil Freya we knew we had to use her work in some way.  Freya take commissions to create artwork of people’s homes, so we asked her to turn our shop front into a work of art which we have used for our thank you cards.

Mad Cat Brewery

Mad Cat are a fantastic local brewer, based at Brogdale Farm, Faversham.  As well as creating some really tasty craft beers they also agreed to collaborate with us to provide a beer to go into the hamper.  After a rather enjoyable tasting session, we chose one of their popular brews, 9^th Life, to base the Harrisons beer on.

Sand Creative

We decided we wanted to use Freya’s design on the label, so the design went off to Mad Cat’s graphic designers, Sand Creative who are based in Herne Bay to design the label and ensure it complied with all the legal requirements needed to go onto a bottle of alcohol.

Superfast Labels

Once designed, the label needed printing. We chose Sittingbourne based printers, Superfast Labels who print many labels for local artisan suppliers.  Once printed, it was back to Mad Cat to label the bottles and create our own “Harrisons Beer”

AR Botanical Herbal

Based in Ospringe, Faversham, AR Botanical Herbal as well as being experienced, qualified herbalists & aromatherapists, make a range of fantastic skincare products.  All are natural and palm free made from butter, herbs and oils distilled onsite from the gardens at the beautiful Belmont House.  We asked AR Botanical Herbal to create some soaps for the hamper. They made two spa soaps for us, Lavender and Rose Geranium.

All of their products are packaged in biodegradable & easily compostable materials from UK based businesses including local family business Robins Packaging, based in Canterbury.  The labels were designed by Shore Way Marketing and printed by Superfast Labels.

Chaucer News

For the sweets, we returned to Sittingbourne based, family business Chaucer News. As we have used them in the past and always received a prompt, reliable and friendly service.  We asked for individually wrapped bags of jelly beans.  Next, we branded them up with Harrisons stickers. Also designed by Shore Way Marketing

Our hamper is not only a lovely gift the say thank you to our clients. It also has used the services of eight local businesses all within thirty miles of us.  When you think about it, shopping locally really does make a difference.

Hampers

As yet we have been unable to find a local supplier to print the hamper boxes.  So, we did. The next best thing and found a supplier that could produce branded packaging that was kind to the environment.  We chose Bundle Packaging because they are so focused on reducing their carbon footprint.  All the products are made from recycled materials, as well as being ethically sourced, and most importantly, biodegradable.  Meaning, if we can’t love local with the packaging, we can at least love the planet.

https://bundlepackaging.com/blog/the-benefits-of-sustainable-ecommerce-packaging

Harrisons Community

Our hampers are just one way that we intend to support local. There are plans to rotate the gifts inside. So we are looking to collaborate with other local, independent businesses on this.  If you own a local business that produces product that can be included (or can print sustainable packaging) please get in touch by emailing hello@harrisonshomes.co.uk.

We are planning some other ways to support local businesses and promote the Shop Local message; we will be announcing this later in the year.  As estate agents we are the first contact many people have with local businesses when they move into the area and as such, we can introduce them to local shops and services.  Therefore, we are building a local business community, please get in touch if you would like to join us, or join our Swale Local Business Community on Facebook

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