The Scottish Grocers’ Federation is encouraging people across the country to support local businesses in the run up to Scotland Loves Local Week (Saturday 13 – Saturday 20 June).
SGF President Graham Watson, who has run Watson’s Grocers in the village of Moniaive in Dumfries and Galloway for 25 years, 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, when assets like local shops go, schools often follow – and all sorts of local assets. It’s a two-way street and it’s vital that we support each other.
“I know everybody. We look out for people, we deliver things for free. I can stand out the front of the shop and wave at every second car that comes through.
“We live in a really uncertain world. Community shops bring a lot of security to communities – heart, soul and decent groceries.”
Graham added: “Shop local, go local. You’re doing your bit to keep communities alive.”
Scotland Loves Local – spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) with support from the Scottish Government – is the drive for people to build stronger, more sustainable futures for their community by supporting the businesses in their area.
Throughout Scotland Loves Local Week, politicians will be visiting local businesses to champion the need to show them even greater support – protecting jobs and keeping money local for longer.
STP last year estimated that if every person in the country were to spend just £1 per week more with local businesses, that it would boost the national economy to the tune of almost £283m a year.
Kimberley Guthrie, STP’s Chief Officer, said: “We can all play our part in helping local businesses – and places – to thrive by simply choosing local.
“That’s something we can start this weekend, by supporting local shops when stocking up to watch World Cup matches or organising events.
“The critical thing is making this a habit that we all stick with – supporting countless fantastic businesses across Scotland, creating a future where they thrive and everyone wins through their success.”
