Entrepreneur devises app to target region’s independent shoppers

A Leeds-based entrepreneur is launching a new app for shoppers who want to support the nation’s independent traders. 

“Localize” is the brainchild of Lee Williams, who quit his former job as a regional manager with a security business to develop the app. 

More than 1,000 independent businesses have already signed up to Localize ahead of its official launch on Boxing Day. 

The plan is for Localize to help people find and shop with local independent businesses wherever they are in the world, for a monthly membership of £3.   

Initially the app will be launched in Leeds and nearby Bradford, as well as London and Surrey.

Williams, 32, who lives in Moortown, said: “I saw a gap in the market for an app targeted at people who prefer to spend their money with independent businesses some time before the Covid-19 pandemic took hold, and since then the idea has made more and more sense.

“Businesses are listed on the app and every listing features a member-exclusive reward for anyone who shops with them. They can set up a Localize account in just five minutes on www.localize.co.uk

“In these difficult times Localize makes sense not only for businesses but also for individuals who want to support the independents, but who also need to shop smart and save money.

“Our aim is to be the go-to app for anyone who wants to support the UK’s niche and independent shops. 

“We expect to expand the service quickly as we grow first in Yorkshire and London and we are hoping that by next summer people will be able to use Localize when on holiday or visiting Spain as we are in talks there.  

“For the time being however, our main focus is on the UK where we aim to have 5,000 businesses signed up by the end of next year.”