Leading autobody repair company The Karl Vella Group is backing the Shop Local campaigns run by the Advertiser and Southport Visiter.
Karl Vella MBE, who is celebrating his 25th year in business, opened his first garage on Cemetery Road, Southport, in 1986 . The Group now employs more than 150 people over in Sefton, Skelmersdale, Preston and Blackburn.
Karl, who grew up in Skelmersdale and now lives in Burscough, said: “The Shop Local campaign is a great initiative and one which we fully support. All throughout our years in business, we’ve always valued our loyal, local customers. When we first started out, we relied solely on them and as we have grown they have stuck with us. We have repaid that loyalty by employing local people and investing in skills locally.
“It is vitally important people support their local businesses. Times are tough for all firms but the larger ones are able to weather the storm that little bit easier than the smaller ones, who tend to operate within very tight margins. Whilst an outlet which is part of a multinational chain may be able to have a few bad months, if the same happens to a small, family run company that could see them out of business.
“We are lucky in Sefton and West Lancashire to have thriving, independent shops and companies, but if we don’t use them, we will end up losing them and that would be such a shame.”