Pictured above: Publisher Alan Adams and Editor Jane Sparkes

A brand new monthly community magazine has just been launched and aims to give local businesses the opportunity to connect with householders in Shrewsbury.

Shrewsbury Spotlight's launch magazine is already in the final design stage and will be dropping through letterboxes in the Shrewsbury area in the first week of September.

"Buying local and supporting our business community is something that's important to many people" explained Alan Adams, Publisher of Shrewsbury Spotlight. "Especially in these difficult economic times. But it's often a challenge to find truly local firms as they can be eclipsed online by the national chains and franchises who are able to spend so much more on online advertising."

"Shrewsbury Spotlight has been designed as a voice for these owner-managed businesses and family firms who all operate in and around Shrewsbury. I've been really surprised by the exceptional calibre of companies right on our doorstep, and also the depth and breadth of services available. We've made advertising in the magazine really cost effective so that we can open it up to as many businesses as we can, with a ¼ page full colour advertisement costing just £22.50. There are plenty of opportunities for larger businesses too though, and the only criteria is that they must serve the people of Shrewsbury and have a local presence."

"As well as the directory of businesses and service providers, the magazine will also feature a restaurant review, two in-depth editorial interviews or profiles to get under the skin of selected local businesses, plus details of community initiatives and forthcoming events.

"It is all truly local" added Jane Sparkes, Editor of Shrewsbury Spotlight. "The magazine is completely free to homeowners and our launch issue will be sent out to over 2,500 homes in the SY3 area, although we hope to expand this further in the coming months. The editorial team is passionate about buying local and we're really excited to be bringing this magazine to the people of Shrewsbury and making it so much easier for them to choose local too."