East Ayrshire leads the way with local businesses
Local trade and political figures join forces to highlight transformational difference that everyone can help make ahead of Scotland Loves Local Week
Business owners and local politicians are championing the critical need for everyone in East Ayrshire to choose local as part of this year’s Scotland Loves Local Week (June 13-20) - and are urging local residents to follow their lead.
Kilmarnock Town Centre Ambassadors, Kilmarnock Business Association and Kilmarnock Neighbourhood Board are among those supporting the calls.
Representatives joined forces with East Ayrshire Council Leader Douglas Reid, Depute Leader Jim McMahon, Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley MSP Alan Brown and Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP Lillian Jones to highlight the difference that supporting local enterprises makes to protecting jobs, safeguarding services and building a stronger future for the region.
Councillor McMahon, who is also the council cabinet member responsible for housing, transport and communities, said:
“Scotland Loves Local Week is really important for town centres and businesses.
“It’s imperative that we shop local to support our high streets.
“We know the issues that all businesses are facing right now. That’s why it’s so important that we not only shop locally ourselves, but encourage our friends and colleagues to shop local too.
“Let’s all play our part in helping businesses thrive.”
Taking place as the country rallies behind Scotland in the World Cup, this year’s Scotland Loves Local Week theme is Flying the Flag for Local Businesses.
Seven days of action spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) will see social media campaigning, political visits and other events highlight the transformational difference of choosing local - supporting friends, family and neighbours by getting behind the businesses which are the fabric of communities.
Craig Hume, Chair of Kilmarnock Business Association, said:
“Every time someone chooses to spend money with a local business, they are doing way more than just making a purchase. They are helping protect local jobs, support families, keep our town centres alive and build confidence for the future.
“In Kilmarnock and across East Ayrshire, we have brilliant independent businesses, passionate business owners and people who care deeply about their communities. Scotland Loves Local Week is a great reminder that small choices, made often, equal huge impacts.
“If we want vibrant town centres, strong local services and opportunities for young people, we all have a part to play. Choosing local is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to do that.”
Scotland Loves Local, which is supported by the Scottish Government, is the drive for people to build stronger, more sustainable futures for their community by supporting the businesses in their area, potentially injecting millions of pounds into local economies.
One of the ways in which money is locked into the economy locally is through the East Ayrshire Gift Card, which can only be spent with businesses which have a physical presence in the region.
Alan Brown, MSP for Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley, said:
"Local businesses make a huge contribution to communities across Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley. They provide jobs, support local families and play a vital role in our local economy.
"Whether it's visiting your local butcher, baker or convenience store, using a local tradesperson, or enjoying a meal or a drink in a local café, restaurant or pub, choosing local helps support businesses in our communities and keeps more money circulating within the local economy.
"We are fortunate to have so many excellent businesses across the constituency, and Scotland Loves Local Week is an opportunity to recognise the contribution they make and encourage people to support them where they can.
"Backing local businesses is one of the most effective ways we can support our communities, enabling them to continue to grow and thrive.”
Businesses and community groups across East Ayrshire and throughout Scotland are being encouraged to take part in Scotland Loves Local Week, celebrating what makes their communities unique.
East Ayrshire Council has been a long-term supporter of Scotland’s Towns Partnership and its Scotland Loves Local call to action.
STP Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie said:
“Every penny which is spent locally is an investment in the future of our communities, supporting people and places.
“We have seen that demonstrated really powerfully locally through the East Ayrshire Gift Card, which has been used innovatively and energetically in order to lock more money into the local economy, while making a significant difference to families and businesses.”
Scotland Loves Local Week runs until Saturday June 20.