A teenager just starting out in business has produced a video urging people to support local shops and businesses in Yorkshire in the run-up to Christmas.
Sam Teale, 18, runs Sam Teale Productions, a video company based in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire.
Sam teamed up with freelance TV researcher Jack Donohoe, 22, to film clips of the people behind eight of the small businesses he works with. The one-minute video, entitled: ‘Support Local’, aims to show that businesses have real people behind them – and true Yorkshire grit.
The video, which also showcases the Yorkshire landscape, even stars his own grandma, Audrey Teale, as a shopper.
Sam started out with the idea of making a John Lewis-style Christmas advert.
However, when the second national lockdown happened, he and Jack decided to change their focus to help those small businesses hardest hit by missing out on vital pre-Christmas trade.
The video was launched on Facebook ahead of non-essential shops re-opening this week after the lifting of lockdown restrictions.
Sam said: “Shops and small businesses have been badly hit this year and I wanted to support those businesses who have supported me. With the ending of the second lockdown local shops and businesses only have a few short weeks to make their Christmas.
“I wanted to show that behind every small business there are real people and real families who rely on them. Every sale, even just a few pounds, can make a big difference.
“I’m really proud of the video and I think everybody will be able to relate to it. It demonstrates the strength of the Yorkshire spirit. We are tough and we just get on with it whatever is thrown at us.
“Shops and businesses have worked so hard to be safe and Covid-secure and they deserve a little help and support.
“My message this Christmas is ‘let’s support our local shops.”
Sam launched his business straight from school and hasn’t looked back. He has taken on a part-time assistant and three months ago he moved into his first office.
Sam offers all kinds of video production services for a range of clients. He’s currently working with local schools to produce walk-through videos as open evenings go online during the pandemic.
“It’s an exciting time,” said Sam. “I want to show that young people want to help the community at this time and we’re all trying to do our bit.
“If we can all work together we can help each other have the best Christmas possible.”
To watch the video go to https://fb.watch/24OqFesPy4/
