BUSINESSES are still coming forward to support the Ely Standard s Keep It Local campaign. The latest company to back our campaign to support local businesses and services is Littleport-based Sigma Embroidery. This family-run business has been in operation

BUSINESSES are still coming forward to support the Ely Standard's Keep It Local campaign.

The latest company to back our campaign to support local businesses and services is Littleport-based Sigma Embroidery.

This family-run business has been in operation for two years and, despite the credit crunch, is going from strength-to-strength, and recently expanded its premises.

Steven Shipp, Sigma's sales and marketing manager, praised the Ely Standard for launching the campaign.

He said: "It needed someone to stand up and force the issue. Buying local and using local services benefits everybody but people need to know what is available and the Ely Standard is helping with that. I am shocked by the number of people who live in Littleport that don't know what they have they got. There are some things here that Ely doesn't have. We've got a gift shop, a toy shop, a tattoo parlour; there is a lot on offer."

Mr Shipp continued: "It is so important to get across to people that it is not always best to go to the big national companies. They have a lot of overheads which drive their prices up and you very often lose the personal touch that we value so much."

Sigma offers businesses a range of embroidery and print services, including everything from clothes to websites.

As well as supporting local business, the company supports local schools and charities.

Mr Shipp said: "We do as much as possible to help good causes and local projects. Whether it is a club or charity, we help subsidise the costs of their projects where we can. We try to do as much as possible to help."

For people thinking of starting their own local business, Sigma can provide a one-stop start-up package which includes a website, clothing, vehicle signs and business stationery.

Mr Shipp added: "As well as helping support existing local businesses, we want to help people who are just getting off the ground and provide the things they might not ordinarily be able to afford."

Pic cap: Steven Shipp supports the Ely Standard's Keep It Local campaign.

Photo: HELEN DRAKE

0397HD0108