Every person in Scotland can play a critical part in making the nation stronger and wealthier by supporting their local businesses more, business leaders say.
They have highlighted the multi-million pound benefits of choosing local as people across the country are urged to fly the flag for businesses in their community as part of Scotland Loves Local Week.
Seven days of action – supported by communities and business groups across the country, as well as major organisations including VisitScotland and the Scottish Grocers’ Federation – starts tomorrow (Saturday).
Scotland Loves Local Week celebrates the uniqueness of local enterprises of all kinds and the benefits of supporting them, through the increasingly important role they play in sustaining and growing communities and economies – safeguarding jobs and keeping places vibrant.
The call to action is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation behind the Scottish Government-supported Scotland Loves Local campaign to help make communities fit for the future by backing businesses in them.
Professor Leigh Sparks, Chair of STP, said: “Where, and with which businesses, people choose to spend their money really matters. These are decisions which make a critical difference to Scotland’s local and national economies.
“Every single person in Scotland can contribute to making the country stronger, fairer and wealthier by supporting their local businesses more often. Local businesses spend more of their money in other local businesses, strengthening relationships, communities and economies. Thinking local first is a simple step which makes a tremendous difference.
“Scotland is home to an incredible range of local businesses – from unique independent shops and producers to breathtaking visitor attractions. Every penny spent with them supports local jobs and is a vital investment in the future of our communities.
“Localism lies at the heart of growing Scotland’s national economy.”
To help lock more money into local economies, STP works with Perth-based fintech Miconex on the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card, through which millions of pounds has been spent with local businesses in recent years.
Vicki Miller, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “Our people, communities and businesses are the backbone of Scottish tourism and essential to growing the visitor economy.
“Scotland Loves Local Week is a fantastic initiative that highlights the importance of backing businesses closer to home.
“It’s the perfect time for both visitors and locals to discover more of what’s on their doorstep – supporting local businesses and helping to sustain vibrant places and livelihoods across the country.”
Research by STP last year found that almost £283m more could be driven directly into Scotland’s economy if everyone in the country spent just £1-a-week extra with local businesses.
Graham Watson, President of the Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF), has run his family store, Watson’s Grocers, in the village of Moniave, Dumfriesshire, for 25 years.
He said: “Local businesses are so important to our communities.
“Businesses and people build a relationship with each other. We try to do our very best for them.
“In small communities, if assets like local shops close, schools and other facilities often follow. It’s a two-way street and it’s vital that we support each other.
“We live in a really uncertain world. Community shops bring a lot of security to communities – heart, soul and decent groceries.”
He added: “Shop local, go local. You’re doing your bit to keep communities alive.”
Throughout Scotland, businesses and organisations are showing their support for the Scotland Loves Local Week theme of Flying The Flag For Local Businesses.
As national pride rides high ahead of Scotland’s World Cup campaign kicking off in the USA this weekend, people are being urged to share their local pride by supporting the local businesses employing their friends, family and neighbours.
Elaine Templeton is Chair of Paisley First, the Business Improvement District (BID) in the reigning Scotland Loves Local Town of the Year.
She said: “About 70p from every pound spent locally, stays local. So by meeting friends for lunch, enjoying some retail therapy or signing up for that workshop, you can do your bit to support the local community and its businesses.”
Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired BID, which works with 600 businesses to benefit the city, added: “These are challenging, but also exciting, times for our high streets. We continue to collaborate on issues, for example repurposing vacant buildings, bringing in new businesses and organisations, workers and residents to ensure that our city can be more successful.
“By thinking local first, residents and visitors alike can play a vital role in helping businesses to thrive and ensure a sustainable future.”
Throughout next week, politicians will be visiting their local businesses to meet the people behind them, hear about the difference they make and champion the critical need to support them.
People are also being urged to celebrate their favourite local businesses by posting on social media using the hashtag #ScotlandLovesLocal.
