A PHOTOGRAPHER based in Bicester has launched an app in a bid to help local businesses get back on their feet after the coronavirus pandemic.

Peter Griffith, who owns All People Photography portrait studio based in Launton near Bicester, wants people to use their local independent shops to help small businesses survive.

He has created a free app called Shop Local to make businesses more ‘visible’ in the community and to support those that are still operating in different ways during the lockdown.

ALSO READ: Lockdown could force Oxfordshire shops and pubs to close

He said: “Fighting off the giant online retailers is hard enough at the best of times. The proof of that is on the state of the high street before lockdown, but small businesses, which our nation relies on, are essential for the local economy as well as for creativity and individuality.”

The Shop Local app is a directory of small businesses in the region and allows them to advertise their services for free.

The photographer has also set up a Facebook page where professionals offer advice on how to survive. There is also a dedicated page on the app to businesses still open.

Mr Griffith added: “Local business is at the heart of many small communities and help local charities raise essential funds throughout the year.

“However, increased marketing stretches running costs.”

Some small businesses in Oxfordshire such as restaurants and butchers have stayed open during the lockdown by offering a delivery or takeaway service instead.

ALSO READ: Oxford Bus Company axes PickMeUp service

Twenty-three businesses in the area have signed up to the app such as Bicester-based Magnificent Microgreens and O’Toole Plumbing and Heating.

Mr Griffith hopes that more entrepreneurs will follow and sign up.

He added: “The message is Shop Local. There are so many amazing small businesses out there, trying to find the best way to promote their product or service in such difficult times.

“As soon as we’re able to open our doors and start welcoming the public back to our businesses, we want to hit the ground running.

“The App just helps our voices to be heard and gets our message out there, via social media, in a way that is hopefully simple and effective.”

Mr Griffith’s photography studio was named the best portrait studio in Oxfordshire because of its customer service.

It won the title at the Oxfordshire Prestige Awards and has kept its five-star status for the third year running.

You can download the app by going to http://moblalbum.com/wbe5cczux2c1 and to include your business contact Mr Griffith on 07974 432215

Other people in the county have also launched their own apps during the pandemic.

Nic Charrington, from Harwell near Didcot made a mobile game to fight the virus which hit his photography business.

The entrepreneur invented the mobile game Bio Blast, which he says is very similar to the popular and notoriously addictive mobile game Candy Crush.

He will donate 100 per cent of the profits from the game to charities and the NHS in hope of defeating the coronavirus or at least lessening the impact of the virus on the most vulnerable.

The Oxford Mail's #StillopeninOxfordshire campaign is backing local independent businesses still trading during lockdown.