Watch the video: Local businesses have spoken of the game-changing difference that the support of people in their area means to them and their future.
Members of Alloa First Business Improvement District (BID) are among those who have been playing a high-profile role championing the first Scotland Loves Local Week (August 28 – September 3).
They are getting behind action to remind people that the future of communities will be far stronger if locals support the people and businesses which are at the heart of them.
Some even feature as part of videos being released by the BID to highlight the critical difference that local support means.
Alloa First chair Hugh McMichael, who’s the fourth generation of his family to run electrical appliance firm McMichael’s in the High Street, said: “Every time someone shops locally, it’s an investment in the town’s future.
“Money that’s spent locally stays local for longer. Every time that someone spends with a local business it’s an investment in our future, ensuring they can survive – protecting jobs and safeguarding services.
“No-one knows their customers like local businesses do. And no business will do more for a customer than a local one. They’re here for us in a way that no other is and are at the heart of building a better future, ensuring Alloa is a great place to live, work and visit.”
Estate and lettings agent John O’Malley, who has grown his business – O’Malley -across central Scotland from its base in Primrose Street, is among those urging people to shop locally and for other businesses to use local suppliers.
He said: “I chose Alloa to set up my business because it’s where I’m from. I was born and bred in Alva. I know the area and the people – plus the people know me. Starting here was the right decision.
“It’s important that we use local suppliers as well as shopping locally. It contributes to the area and the services in it. I would like local people to use my services, so it’s only right that we use local services too.
“Looking after our customers is important to us. They are our business. Ensuring they are happy – and that we deliver what we promise – is important.”
Scott Charleston, assistant manager at Puregym Alloa, is another urging support in the BID videos, saying: “We love it here. It’s fantastic. People are really committed to the gym and being part of the community. We employ all local personal trainers.”
Alloa First has been a high-profile supporter of Scotland Loves Local since the campaign’s launch as the nation emerged from its first coronavirus lockdown in summer 2020.
It has since grown into a long-term drive to help improve places, with Scotland Loves Local Week shining a spotlight on the crucial need to continue to support local businesses, supporting the ongoing financial fightback from Covid-19, but in response to the cost of living crisis and the climate emergency.
Politicians across Clackmannanshire are being encouraged to show their support for local businesses throughout the week.
The week is being led by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation behind Scotland Loves Local, with support from the Scottish Government.
Celebrate all that’s great about your area on social media using the hashtags #ScotlandLovesLocal and #ChooseLocal.
To find out more about Scotland’s Improvement Districts – which is also part of the STP family – head to www.improvementdistricts.scot.
