Leeds Indie Food launches merchandise as part of project to help city's food and drink businesses

Leeds Indie Food, an independent food and drink festival which is usually held in May, has become a business support network, created an online directory promoting local food and drink businesses and re-launched its branded merchandise.

Merchandise, such as t-shirts, mugs and totebags are available to pre-order until July 2.

In addition the ever evolving Indie Directory, a list of up to date information on how small businesses are adapting, from food deliveries and collections to click and collect groceries and cook at home packages is being reviewed and amended constantly.

It comes as Leeds Indie Food, as a brand, moved into business support to help the city's traders stay in business following the lockdown that was imposed three months ago.

Leeds Indie Food has been working alongside Leeds BID and Leeds City Council to support small businesses across Leeds and recently started hosting weekly Zoom calls to bring together independent business owners with local finance and HR specialists.

Simon Fogal, of Leeds Indie Food, said: "From the start, Leeds Indie Food has always been about supporting independent businesses and bringing people together. We’ve had some important conversations this week, both as a team and in the Leeds community, and we can and must do better.

"As a white-owned Not For Profit food festival with a significant platform we’re in a great position to help create a positive, lasting impact and we’re taking the first steps by working to our strengths; facilitating collaboration and widening our support not just for business owners but the whole community."

Welcome back to Leeds is an info hub designed to help guide you safely back to the city centre in the months ahead. welcometoleeds.co.uk #backtoleeds