A NEW shop aimed at boosting the economy in the area has opened in Ringwood.

Made Closer Retail, which already operates online, aims to give customers the chance to buy goods manufactured closer to where they live in a bid to disprove the myth that UK goods are not affordable to the masses.

Merchants, staff, friends, family and shoppers all turned out for the official launch of the High Street store, with refreshments provided by local companies.

MD John Palaguta-Iles invited his parents Megan and John to cut the ribbon to open the shop to thank them for their support.

According to John junior, without them none of it would have been possible. He said: “We want to help local people find and buy products. made near to them and opening this shop means that consumers can buy direct from the manufacturer in the high street. If we can facilitate the conscious changing of spending habits then together we will create a brighter future.”

John has become a director of British Made For Quality (BMFQ), an alliance of individuals and organisations campaigning to keep manufacturing in Britain.

BMFQ has the only registered trademark to identify products and services as British-made.

Some of the directors from BMFQ also attended the event. In partnership with its existing online marketplace, the new shop aims to encourage people to buy products made closer to them, reducing carbon footprint and the necessity of sweat shops in the Far East and putting money into local businesses.

Among the myriad of products in the shop, they will be highlighting manufacturers such as New Forest Aromatics, Clean Soap and BOS Camping Equipment, with products available to buy from every category from their marketplace website.