Coca-Cola has launched a new campaign, Local Royalty, which aims to highlight the important contributions from local business owners.

The business commissioned royal portrait artists to paint four local business owners, and the work is set to go on display at Saatchi Gallery in London.

The campaign features four portraits that show independent business owners across hospitality and retail with each of the communities they work in.

Running from 28 October to 1 November, the exhibition is open to the public, and visitors will be able to see exclusive behind-the-scenes content from the sittings.

Additionally, selected business owners will receive a donation for a local charity of their choice and the finished portrait.

The integrated marketing campaign is set to launch across editorial, social and brand-owned media.

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The marketing activity comes as research revealed that 87 per cent of UK consumers consider independent businesses an important part of life in Great Britain.

There are findings that also showed that almost half (49 per cent) of consumers said they would struggle to live without their local corner shop.

An Vermeulen, VP and general manager at CCEP GB, said: “One of the things I’ve learned spending time with our customers across Great Britain is just how important independent businesses are to the communities they serve.

“These portraits are a wonderful way to celebrate their energy, passion and entrepreneurial spirit, and to recognise everything they do, every day, to grow their businesses, serve local people and strengthen their communities.”

This is part of a wider marketing initiative by the company that aims to showcase the essential role of independently owned businesses in the UK.

The latest campaign follows the launch of The Bosses last year, which was a documentary and photography series spotlighting regional business owners.