By Sue Sheppard
The Folkestone Independent Traders Association F.I.T.A. was founded just before Christmas 2011, but it now needs even more members and a recruitment drive is underway.

F.I.T.A. was set up to promote mutual self help amongst Folkestone's small shops and businesses.

The aim is to move the focus of spending away from national out of town superstores and internet back to niche local shopping.

The result was the launch of Folkestone Shopper publication, which featured some of the best gifts available from quality local shops including sought after Cath Kidson bags from Moda, Personlized Coffee Mugs from Copy-Link and all manner of Kent produce from County Faye.

There are currently around 15 members, including local artist Johnny Cotter who designed a special promotional print of a monkey with a machine gun.

An inaugural meeting is due to be held in a couple of weeks time and interested sharp brained entrepreneurs are wanted to join the association to help think up ways tot maximise the impact.

Alone in a shop, it is one shopkeeper but together it becomes a mass force to be reckoned with.

The association have lots of plans and have just applied for a substantial grant from Shepway Council to build a dedicated website.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2012©