Localise, the new ‘High street in your hands’ app

Award-winning mobile app Localise is coming to Ashford and Tenterden, as part of a national initiative to support the country’s independent retailers, which have been described as “the heartbeat of our communities”.

The app promotes independent local businesses and several businesses from the borough were included as part of a trial earlier this year. 

The app is the brainchild of Kent entrepreneur Ashleigh Cornelius, who said: “Localise aims to level the playing field for independents through the app, which enables small businesses to establish a digital presence in the community and connect with local shoppers.

“Localise is bringing its app to independent business and shoppers, now the lockdown has ended and the public are returning to our high streets and shopping centres. For independent retailers in the Ashford borough, Localise offers simplified community building tools and an intuitive interface that makes online selling a social affair.”

In a marketplace dominated by larger corporations, Localise aims to increase the number of smaller businesses that can be part of the digital community.

Ashleigh said: “Shoppers also benefit from the new app. Localise brings locally sourced products and services directly to their smartphones, delivering a premium shopping experience that supports their local community.

“Soon local shoppers will be able to earn commission for helpful suggestions and receive rewards that can be redeemed at independent retailers and small businesses in the area.

“At a time when many of the high street traders are struggling to reach customers, Localise will bridge the gap between local shopping and digital commerce.”

Cllr Nathan Iliffe, portfolio holder for corporate property and regeneration at Ashford Borough Council, said the council is supporting the launch through marketing and connecting Localise with our business community.

“The Localise app is a great way to support our independent retailers and high street in the wake of the pandemic and really encourage people to shop locally.”

The app is available in the app store, ahead of an official launch in September.

Businesses welcome Localise app

Local businesswoman Melissa Dawkins and owner of Made in Ashford said: “Localise’s approach has been great and really personal. I can see the Localise app being a great tool for reaching out and promoting local businesses to the community. We're really looking forward to it launching and being established in Ashford.” 

Andrew Laughland, entrepreneur and owner of The Snug who have premises in Ashford and Tenterden, has been a fan of Localise since he first heard about the project last year. He said: “Localise is a very exciting project. The team have been great to work with and have been addressing the challenges the high streets are facing with very personal and authentic approaches. We're looking forward to Localise being part of our social media strategy and we encourage everyone to download, to help promote the independent business landscape locally.”

Background / more details

Localise raised £500,000 of seed investment in the summer of 2020, which has been used to further the company's technology and marketing efforts as they roll out across the UK.

Localise is in talks with a number of national membership organisations such as the British Independent Retailers Association, who welcome new and innovative solutions to boost the UK's local economies.

For independent retailers, Localise offers simplified e-commerce tools and an intuitive interface that makes online selling a social affair. In a marketplace currently dominated by larger corporations, Localise seeks to increase the number of smaller businesses that can now be part of the digital community.

Providing payments, flash promotions, live feeds and footfall insights, the team at Localise believe indies will have a strong helping hand in the nationwide effort to regenerate the high street and revitalise local economies.

For shoppers, Localise brings local products and services direct to their smartphones, delivering a premium shopping experience supporting the local community. Shoppers earn commission for suggestions and receive rewards that can be redeemed at independent retailers and small businesses in the area. At a time when many high street traders struggle to reach customers, Localise bridges the gap between local shopping and digital commerce.

Founder and CEO Ashleigh Cornelius said: “Localise has been a labour of love for me. Behind every business on the high street is a real person, with a story to tell and a service to offer. We want Localise to bring all of these characters together to form a strong marketplace where we can support them and showcase the best our communities have to offer.” 

For more information contact Ashleigh Cornelius via phone at 07940 456845 or email ashleigh@localiseapp.com