1
Best Place to Live 2026
Norwich was named The Sunday Times Best Place to Live in the UK for 2026. Norwich BID's coverage highlights the mix of independent and national businesses, historic character, culture and community. Source →
About
Only independent.
Distinctly local.
If somebody in Norwich wants somewhere distinctive tomorrow, why is “genuinely independent” still such a difficult filter? Project Independent is testing whether a verified independent-only discovery layer could make the smaller businesses that shape a place easier to find.
Starting in NorwichA city whose independent scene is already part of how its character is described and promoted.
Why Norwich
The instinct has evidence behind it.
The evidence does not show that independent businesses alone cause tourism or liveability. It does show that current Norwich tourism and place-marketing sources repeatedly use independents, local character and distinctiveness as part of the city's appeal.
2
Independent spirit is already a tourism message
VisitNorwich describes the Lanes as Norwich's “independent heart”, while its campaigns explicitly use “Independent Spirit” and the city's strong independent-shopping offer to attract visitors. Source →
3
Small businesses are part of the fabric
Norwich BID's 2025 State of the City report says 84.4% of Norwich businesses employ 0–9 people and describes a strong independent and small-enterprise culture. Source →
The proposition
Familiarity and distinctiveness can coexist.
Norwich needs major employers, national retailers and recognised brands. Project Independent is not trying to replace them or duplicate VisitNorwich. The proposed service would focus on the smaller, independently owned layer that gives people reasons to wander, discover and remember somewhere as different.
1
Only independents
The proposed discovery layer would be intentionally narrow rather than another all-business directory.
2
Project Independent would verify
The business would provide facts and evidence; Project Independent would make and record the eligibility decision.
3
Give smaller businesses a clearer voice
The proposed mark, app and profile would make genuine independence visible without turning public position into something businesses could buy.
Current position
Evidence before scale.
The documents, prototype and commercial model are ahead of the field evidence. The site therefore describes what is being developed rather than pretending a production network already exists.
1
Test the need
Does a dedicated independent filter solve a real consumer problem?
2
Test participation
Will businesses accept third-party verification and maintain their stable facts?
3
Test commissioning
Will a place organisation fund a measurable pilot because the distinctiveness layer is useful and defensible?