Shops and businesses across Truro will offer £10 deals from Saturday in a bid to get people out onto the high street and boost the local economy.  

The Magic Tenner campaign will take place in over 50 towns and cities across the UK from October 7 to 21, and Truro BID is on board.  

Research by The New Economics Foundation found that £10 spent in a local independent business means up to £50 goes back into the local economy due to it being re-spent over and over.  

To show how supporting one local business supports many, participating shops and eateries will display posters showing how many local suppliers they have – including makers, growers, accountants, electricians and even where the owner buys lunch.  

“Most independent businesses buy from many other local businesses,” said BID manager Alun Jones. “When you spend £10 with one, it enables them to keep buying from their suppliers, so the money goes round and round Truro’s local economy.  

“This is really important, as it strengthens our high street and helps hundreds of small businesses to thrive. That makes Truro a better place to live, work and visit. In contrast, when buying online, most or all of the money leaves the local economy the minute you buy something.” 

Magic Tenner offers will include £10 for coffee and cake for two people, a selection of Cornish hand-crafted gifts, a Cornish Keynvor tin candle with a bar of Josh’s Cornish chocolate, and lunchtime specials.  

Full details of all offers will be published tomorrow on Facebook @magictennertruro and @visittruro, and on the website www.visittruro.org.uk  

The Magic Tenner event is the brainchild of the Totally Locally campaign group, and follows its successful Fiver Fest. 

Founder Chris Sands said: “We are always blown away by the reports of increased footfall and sales at a time when the cost-of-living crisis is hitting many people.  

“The Magic Tenner event is a good way for shops to support their communities by offering great deals, and for the community to support those shops that make our towns better places. 

“It’s a win-win situation.”  

The campaign is sponsored by Bira (The British Independent Retailers Association).