Creator of Facebook group promoting local businesses, Behind Closed Doors, nominated as the Advertiser’s Citizen Of The Week

The creator of a Facebook group that promotes local businesses has been nominated as the Advertiser’s Citizen Of The Week.

Leisa Pickles, of Newark, was unknowingly nominated by her husband, Craig, who praised her support for local people and local shops.

Leisa’s group, Behind Closed Doors, quickly gained attention and just six weeks after its launch, it boasts more than 2,500 members.

“I work in the food and drink industry, typically with independent businesses and, because I worked for myself, I lost most of my client work very quickly,” said Leisa.

“Around the weekend of March 20, a lot of people were contacting me to ask if I knew if businesses were doing certain things, and the answer in most cases was ‘yes, I do’, because I have worked with so many businesses.”

And so the page was created.

“It is about making the community aware of the fact that they don’t have to go solely to the supermarket to get their foods and that there are loads of independent businesses who can offer you exactly what you need,” she said.

“Whether that be bringing it to your front door through deliveries or through a takeaway service, you can get almost everything.

“We now have more than 2,400 members and people are loving it.

“It is a great platform to not only show the great businesses we have, but to celebrate how resilient they have been during these times, whether that be adapting their offers or continuing to serve people.”

The Facebook group, which is run solely by Lesia, has recently launched a partnership with Beaumond House Community Hospice as part of its #fillthegapBH campaign.

She said: “We have asked those who have benefited from the group to donate, even if it is just £1, while the same has been asked of local businesses who have benefited — we see it as a thank you.”

They have also been working with Claire Andrews, of Little Posy Photography, who has taken professional pictures to showcase the businesses in the group.

“We want to remind the folks of Newark who are closed as well, so once they are open, they can be visited again,” she said.

“There are also updates and references points to show who is selling certain items.

“But the reason behind the page is to spread the message ­— you can have everything you need delivered to your doorstep.

“We need to continue to follow this and shop locally once we can go out in person.”

You may also like...

Police clamp down on auto-crime

Councillor's outburst edited out of planning committee recording

Virtual gig raises much-needed funds for the NHS