University student starts social media campaign to back Leeds independents

Jake Moran, aged 21, is an International Relations student at The University of Leeds and started the social media campaign a week ago.

BuyLoveLeeds uses the power of social media trends to give independents a place for extra free advertising, by asking customers to post pictures of their products online, with the hashtag #buyloveleeds.

Buy Love Leeds is not a permanent promotional outfit but instead is taking advantage of the excitement around businesses like bars, pubs and cafes reopening in the unusual circumstances of lockdown.

It has listed a Facebook event for this Saturday and by then the aim is to encourage as many people to post pictures of themselves enjoying products bought from independent stores to promote them to others following the campaign.

It also has the support of local councillors like Jess Lenox from Crossgates, and the Leeds East MP, Fabian Hamilton.

Mr Moran said: "I designed and created this campaign with one simple goal: to unite communities in support of our fantastic independent businesses, which have been hit hard by the lockdown. I have been lucky enough to call Leeds my home since moving here in 2017, and I have a profound affection for independent businesses here. That’s why I wanted to give them an extra helping hand in these difficult times."

To get involved with the campaign, readers can join the Facebook event by searching ‘Leeds Reopens!' on Facebook. They can also follow the campaign on Instagram, @buy.love.leeds and on Twitter: @BuyLoveLeeds

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