WHAT MAKES AN INDIE INDIE?

An independent business is one that is free from control by a larger corporation, operating autonomously without affiliation.

Key characteristics include self-governance, unique business strategies, a personal connection to the community, and significant decision-making autonomy for owners allowing them to set their own goals and plans.

Key Characteristics

• Autonomy and Control:
  Independent businesses are not owned by another company and have control over their own operations, decisions, and resources. 

• Independence from Corporate Structures:
  They are not part of a large corporate entity, franchise, or larger group that dictates their operations. 

• Distinct Identity:
  Independent businesses maintain a unique identity and brand, separate from larger, affiliated entities. 

• Customisation:
  Owners have the freedom to develop unique products, services, and concepts aligned with their vision. 

What it Means in Practice

• Freedom of Choice:
  Owners can freely choose their services, work plans, design, goals, and payment gateways without being tied to a parent company. 

• Personal Connection:
  Independent businesses often have a strong connection to their local community, fostering loyalty and trust. 

• Flexibility:
  They can adapt quickly to market changes and make decisions that directly benefit their local client base or customers. 

How it Differs from Other Structures

• Not a Franchise:
  Unlike a franchise, an independent business owner doesn't have to follow a pre-defined business model, ensuring greater freedom. 

• Not a Subsidiary:
  A subsidiary is a company owned by a parent company. An independent business avoids this affiliation, ensuring its operations are its own.

Why is buying indie important?

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with supporting any business, and we love being part of a vibrant city that offers locals and visitors everything they could possibly wish for. 

What we think is important is that people know where their money goes. If customers are interested in supporting local independent businesses and producers, we need to do a better job of informing them that we’re here. 

It can also be difficult working out which craft products are independent - many huge international corporations name and brand their products as craft. In fact, this practice is so prolific that SIBA have created the Indie Beer campaign to create a clear distinction between true independent producers and the craft industry.

It’s common for independent businesses to support independent producers, or at least, conversely, it’s rare that larger chains support independent producers fairly. Therefore, you often get more choice and more exciting, smaller brands when you go indie. And typically, the money spent in these indie venues stays in the community.

That’s why we’ve created the East Brighton Indie Beer Mile.

It’s not intended to exclude other independent businesses (or any other businesses) in Brighton and Hove (in fact you can find many of them listed above), it’s just a small part of an overall drive to highlight our city's excellent independent businesses and producers.