Praise for Scotland Loves Local campaign chief as he steps back from role

The man who led the launch and successful rollout of the Scotland Loves Local campaign has been praised for his work after announcing that he is stepping back from his role.

Phil Prentice has been at the forefront of the drive for people to support businesses in their communities and build better lives locally through his post as Chief Officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP).

STP launched the Scotland Loves Local campaign, with the support of the Scottish Government and others, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic almost three years ago, initially encouraging people to support the immediate recovery from the crisis by backing the enterprises and people around them.

It has since built into a significant force for good in the long-term financial fightback and levered millions of pounds-worth of support, including the creation of the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card.

Phil has been Chief Officer of STP for eight-and-a-half years.

He will, however, remain involved with the organisation as a part-time strategic consultant and Programme Director of Scotland’s Improvement Districts, with work including that to support the development of new and emerging districts.

Kimberley Guthrie, currently STP’s Director of Operations, will become Interim Chief Officer of STP while the process to appoint Phil’s successor takes place.

STP is the national organisation that champions Scotland’s town centres, providing expert support on policy, best practice and achieving practical action.

Phil, an economic development professional who held senior roles including those with Scottish Enterprise and East Renfrewshire Council before taking charge of STP in November 2014, has been widely praised for his role with the organisation.

He has overseen the development of Scotland’s improvement districts into the world’s most expansive network, as well as being an influential voice in developing blueprints to create a new future for Scotland’s towns and putting town centres first – boosting businesses and creating better places.

Phil Prentice, left, launching the Scotland Loves Local Fund with Community Wealth Minister Tom Arthur in Milngavie during summer 2021. Picture: Jamie Simpson

Phil said: “It’s been an energising experience leading STP at a time of significant challenge, change and opportunity. I’m incredibly proud of what our small team and expansive network of stakeholders have achieved. My thanks go to everyone I have worked alongside.

“The decision to step back has been a difficult one, but I feel the time’s right and am confident that STP is in good hands.

“Localism has never been more important. We have never appreciated the places we live more.

“We are a nation of towns – and a successful, stronger, more sustainable Scotland will be one that puts towns first. By doing so we will continue to build back from coronavirus, better respond to the climate emergency and get through the cost of living crisis.”

Kimberley Guthrie

 Kimberley has more than 25 years’ experience in business and retail, including as an owner and director. Well-known among STP stakeholders, she was part of the team which gathered evidence for the influential New Future For Scotland’s Towns report and has since been heavily involved in implementing actions from it, as well as in the Scotland Loves Local campaign. 

Kimberley, who has worked with STP for almost three years, said: “Working alongside Phil is energising and always entertaining. His hard work and natural flair for engaging people has not only helped protect jobs during some of the most difficult times in our communities, but has placed our localism agenda front and centre.

“As a team, we look forward to building on this, ensuring the voices of Scotland’s towns are heard as they become even better places in which to live, work and visit.”

STP Chair, Professor Leigh Sparks, thanked Phil for his dedication, enthusiasm and leadership.

He said: “Phil has been an incredible champion of Scotland’s towns and played a pivotal part in ensuring the vision to create a new future for them has not just been developed, but is being acted on.

“Communities across the country have benefited from his insight, influence and determination.

“The STP board is grateful for all that he has done and wish him well for the future. We know that he will continue to fly the flag for the importance of our places.”

For more information about Scotland’s Towns Partnership and its wide-ranging work, go to www.scotlandstowns.org.