A NEW initiative is aiming to lift community spirits and help businesses thrive by creating locally-sourced gift boxes containing the best products Lancashire has to offer.

Keep Britain Smiling aims to collect ranges of products from local firms that showcase these businesses and which are available for customers to buy online.

The initiative, headquartered in Preston, is currently running nationwide.

Founder Safwan Hafeji said: “Small businesses are the beating heart of communities.

“It’s vital for their existence, for employment, and for society as a whole that we continue to support them at this time.

“But many independent businesses are struggling through the crisis, with little or no orders and job losses looming.

“This is why we’re trying to step in and create a new sales channel for them.”

Mr Hafeji hopes that collecting locally-made produce in this way can help to publicise the wide variety of goods local firms have to offer and can help them reach new customers.

The Lancashire Box includes items such as organic coffee, body soaks and biscuits, as well as containing inserts which provide information about the firms that have provided them.

Additional gift boxes are also available specifically to show gratitude to key workers, as are custom boxes for corporate clients.

Mr Hafeji said: “With more people shopping online than ever before, we’ve used this as an opportunity to connect businesses with customers.

“For shoppers, it’s also an experience to discover something new, knowing that in doing so, you’re also helping to support your local community.”

Keep Britain Smiling remains open to partnering with more businesses from around the county.

Visit: https://keepbritainsmiling.co.uk/.