Turning the Tide: How Local Businesses Can Help Shift the Narrative About Bournemouth

Dear BCP Business Owner,

Bournemouth is making headlines for all the wrong reasons - drugs, homelessness, negativity. Since moving here in 2012, I’ve watched a town I love change, and not always for the better. My heart breaks for those struggling, and while I’m no politician (nor do I want to be!), I know this: together, we have the power to make a difference.

Bournemouth is so much more than the bad press suggests. It’s a town filled with creativity, resilience, and businesses that are the lifeblood of the community. But the decline we’ve seen can’t be ignored, and it’s clear that more help is needed for those facing issues like homelessness and addiction.

While solving these challenges is beyond what most of us can do alone (though I wish we could), that doesn’t mean we’re powerless.

What if, together, we could rewrite the story about Bournemouth?

Be the Change You Want to See

The saying, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” may sound cliché, but it’s never been more relevant. As local businesses, we have the power to create a ripple effect of positivity and growth.

Here’s how we can start making that difference:

• Lead with Positivity - Every customer interaction is a chance to showcase the real spirit of Bournemouth. Share your wins, celebrate your team’s efforts, and highlight your connection with the community. Let’s flood social media with stories that reflect the best of our town.
  • Take action today: Share a behind-the-scenes moment, spotlight a customer’s glowing review, or post a win that reflects your values.
• Build a Community of Support - We’re not just businesses - we’re a collective. Together, we can achieve more. Tag and share each other’s successes, collaborate on events, and find ways to lift one another up.
  • Take action today: Tag a local business, give them a shout-out, or team up to create something memorable - like a collaborative event or promotion.
• Make Customers Part of the Story - Create moments your customers want to share - whether it’s exceptional service, a unique space, or a memorable event. These experiences inspire user-generated content (UGC) that amplifies your business’s story and shines a positive light on Bournemouth.
  • Take action today: Craft a unique customer experience (like a signature dish, photo-worthy setup, or surprise giveaway) and invite them to share it on social media, tagging your business.

The Role of Local Businesses

Businesses like yours are at the heart of what makes Bournemouth special. You’re not just offering goods or services - you’re shaping the town’s identity. By coming together, we can not only survive but thrive, even in challenging times.

This isn’t just about marketing. It’s about creating a community we’re proud of and changing the way the world sees Bournemouth.

Let’s Step Up Together

I’m tired of seeing Bournemouth in decline, and I know I’m not alone. But I also know that change starts small - one action, one connection, one collaboration at a time.

At Step Up Socials, I’m bringing businesses together to create the kind of community we all want to see: one that’s supportive, thriving, and full of opportunity.

If you’re ready to be part of this movement, let’s connect. Together, we can:

• Turn challenges into opportunities.
• Build stronger, more resilient businesses.
• Show the world what Bournemouth is really made of.

Let’s stop waiting for someone else to fix it. Together, we can create a thriving community, step by step, and build a Bournemouth we’re proud of.

👉Sign up for free here!

Let’s not wait for someone else to fix it. Let’s start now, step by step.

With love and determination,

Vicky x

For more context on the challenges Bournemouth is facing, you can read this recent article from The Sun. While we know the press often exaggerates and dramatises, I’ve seen these issues firsthand - even in broad daylight. This post, however, is about what we can do as a community to foster positivity, connection, and growth.