About Us

The Story of SHOCAL

SHOCAL was born in Manchester in 2019 with a simple belief: local businesses are the heartbeat of our communities, and they deserve a platform that puts them first.

Our founders saw how national delivery giants were taking huge commissions from small restaurants and shops—money that should stay in local pockets. They knew there had to be a better way.

Starting from a small office in Urmston, SHOCAL has grown to serve communities across Greater Manchester and beyond. We've helped hundreds of independent businesses reach new customers, and kept millions of pounds circulating in local economies where it belongs.

Today, SHOCAL operates as a hyperlocal marketplace, connecting customers with restaurants, shops, events, and services in their neighbourhood. We're proud to be independently owned and passionately local.

Our Mission

Our mission is simple: keep money local.

When you order through SHOCAL, you're not just getting great food or products—you're directly supporting the people who make your neighbourhood special. The cafe owner who knows your usual order. The florist who's been on the high street for 30 years. The family restaurant that's been passed down through generations.

We believe that thriving local businesses create thriving communities. They employ local people, sponsor local teams, and give neighbourhoods their unique character. That's why we charge fair fees and work as partners with businesses, not just another expense to manage.

Local Businesses

We've grown to work with over 500 local businesses across Greater Manchester—from beloved independent restaurants to neighbourhood shops, service providers, and event organisers.

Unlike the big platforms, we started local and we've stayed local. We understand the challenges independent businesses face because we've sat down with hundreds of owners and listened to their stories.

Our platform gives local businesses the tools they need to compete online: easy-to-manage menus, real-time order tracking, customer insights, and marketing support. All without the eye-watering commission fees that eat into already-tight margins.

We're not trying to replace the high street—we're trying to help it thrive in the digital age.

Customers

Over 50,000 customers have discovered their local favourites through SHOCAL.

We think about our offer to customers on a neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood level. Every area has its hidden gems—the curry house that's better than any chain, the bakery with the legendary sausage rolls, the florist who creates arrangements that actually look like the photos.

Our platform helps you discover what's special about your area. Whether you're new to the neighbourhood or you've lived there for decades, SHOCAL helps you find, order from, and support the independent businesses that give your community its character.

And because we keep our fees fair, businesses can offer better prices and bigger portions. Everyone wins.

Community Impact

Since 2019, we've helped keep over £3.5 million in local economies.

But our impact goes beyond the numbers. We've sponsored local football teams, supported community events, and helped businesses survive through the toughest trading conditions in living memory.

During the pandemic, we waived fees for struggling businesses and helped restaurants pivot to delivery when their doors had to close. We saw first-hand how resilient and creative local business owners can be—and we're honoured to support them.

We also work with local councils and business improvement districts to promote high streets and drive footfall to town centres. Because ultimately, we want people to visit local businesses in person too. We're just here to help when that's not possible.

As Seen On

SHOCAL has been featured on BBC Breakfast, ITV Granada Reports, and BBC Radio Manchester. We were also proud to pitch on Dragons' Den, sharing our vision for supporting local businesses with a national audience.

Our story has been covered by the Manchester Evening News, Business Live, and numerous local publications who share our passion for celebrating independent businesses.

We're always happy to talk about the importance of shopping local and supporting independent businesses. For press enquiries, please contact press@shocal.org.

Our Values

Get In Touch

We'd love to hear from you—whether you're a business interested in joining SHOCAL, a customer with feedback, or just someone who shares our passion for local.