This is the story of how a campaign grew from small beginnings to become a much-loved brand recognised across the world – with no budget, no marketing and no sponsorship. It has flourished purely on word of mouth, collaboration and good people sharing ideas so that others may benefit.
This book is a guide to the Totally Locally Town Kit – which includes all the materials, methodology and step-by-step guides to allow you to start Totally Locally in your town, or to inspire you to start your own campaign. It also shares inspirational stories from people who have used it to make a big difference to their high streets, and how they went on to do other incredible things on the back of it.
We call this ‘The Economics of Being Nice’.
This book was printed on recycled paper by our local printers in Calderdale.
Pages: 233
Width: 14.8cm
Height: 20cm
Depth: 1.5cm
Here is a little taste of what people are saying about our book:
I have been working in town centre regen and economic development for over 20 years and think this is simply one of the best “how to” guides I have ever seen. It’s accessible to anyone, hugely motivational and brilliantly presented. Love the case studies. Love the practical wisdom. Love the tool kit of tried and tested ideas. You can tell that Chris is passionate about the subject but doesn’t pull punches about how difficult it is, in some cases, to change the status quo, and facilitate real collaboration. Can’t recommend this book highly enough.
— Dale Thomson, Neighbourhood Workspace Ltd
What a great read and blue print for our towns #TheEconomicsOfBeingNice from Chris Sands and the Totally Locally gang. (Love the take on Calderdale’s weather!)
— Holly Lynch, MP
Really recommend this book by Chris Sands on behalf of Totally Locally It’s a really excellent handbook for those passionate about community-led regeneration, especially in the context of High Streets.
— Jonathan Phipps, Leek
The wisdom condensed into the book is what underpins groups like ours in Axminster as we do our best to deliver a vital message: ‘if you love where you live it’s survival is in your hands’. The whole essence of Totally Locally right across the UK and beyond is quite simply ‘do it’! Volunteer input is what makes it work. The ideas and marketing materials endlessly made available to us in Axminster are all shared for free. Great work Chris and team!
— Barrie Davies, Totally Locally Axminster
It’s such a brilliant book. I sat down with the intention of reading it for an hour but read it in one go, I couldn’t put it down. It has such a feel good factor about it and inspires people to be kind. It just makes sense to work together.
— Rachel Oates, Community Foundation for Calderdale
If you’re interested in town centres, local shops, community and believe in kindness and care, this is the economics textbook you need to buy.
— Dan Thompson, Empty Shops Network
I’m loving the new Totally Locally book by Chris Sands (& friends) and highly recommended any small business owner to read it. Remember, having a successful business is not just about YOU, everything works SO much better if you work collaboratively with your fellow town small independents…..and that’s a FACT. Totally Locally Claycross small businesses don’t see each other as competition, we help and support each other and even have little get togethers. It’s not rocket science….just work together and be nice
— Gail, CupAndSaucerTeas
There are initiatives that have worked in our town and many that haven’t. But nothing as unifying as the ideas presented in this book, which is inspirational and will provide exactly the support we need to make our town as busy as it can be. We already have a champion (who also bought the book) and will keep the momentum going until we are a true Totally Locally town!
— Didy Ward, Bungay
Dale Thomsom (verified owner) –
I have been working in town centre regen and economic development for over 20 years and think this is simply one of the best “how to” guides I have ever seen. It’s accessible to anyone, hugely motivational and brilliantly presented. Love the case studies. Love the practical wisdom. Love the tool kit of tried and tested ideas. You can tell that Chris is passionate about the subject but doesn’t pull punches about how difficult it is, in some cases, to change the status quo, and facilitate real collaboration. Can’t recommend this book highly enough.
Didy Ward (verified owner) –
There are initiatives that have worked in our town and many that haven’t. But nothing as unifying as the ideas presented in this book, which is inspirational and will provide exactly the support we need to make our town as busy as it can be. We already have a champion (who also bought the book) and will keep the momentum going until we are a true Totally Locally town!
Gail Hannan (verified owner) –
Absolutely love this book it’s so positively inspiring!
The ideas, concepts and ethos make so much sense and Chris’s passion for supporting small independents and helping towns to thrive, jumps out of every page.
If your town hasn’t yet gone Totally Locally yet, read this book and I can guarantee you’ll be full of motivation to get the ball rolling!