A new virtual high street has launched in Rochford to help businesses through the pandemic and give residents local products at the click of a button.

Click It Local and councils are working together to help support high streets and independents across the UK by making shopping local easier and faster than using other online marketplaces.

The launch is part of a wider Essex service which will see Click It Local available in multiple towns and villages across Essex including Brentwood, Epping Forest, Colchester, Chelmsford, Braintree, Uttlesford, Maldon and Tendring.

Shops that have already signed up to Click it Local Rochford include

  •  Mallow Magic,
  • Abbie Lou' Seafood & Fish,
  • Perfectly Peachie,
  • Lovely Libby's,
  • HRM Beauty
  • Karen Castle Opticians
  • The Yard Coffee & Kitchen,
  • Courts of Rayleigh,
  • The Herbal Teahouse
  • Christine's Of Hockley

Steve Koch, founder of Click It Local, said, “I love shopping locally so wanted to find a way to help small shops offer the same level of speed and convenience that today’s online customers have come to expect.

"Our aim is to ensure we can all continue to shop local, support independent shops and provide for the local community.”

Marcus Hotten, Assistant Director for Place and Environment, from Rochford District Council said, “We know how important supporting local businesses is to many people as we recover our local economy.

"By partnering with Click It Local we are building a platform that can combine the best of the local high street with the convenience of online shopping. This is a great opportunity for local independents to trial online sales and target new customers”

Click it Local has already successfully launched in Cambridgeshire, Brighton, parts of Essex, Surrey, Hertfordshire and London and is now looking to extend to further towns and villages across the UK in a bid to support local and independent business.

Businesses interested in finding out more about signing up with Click it Local can contact hello@clickitlocal.co.uk