Scottish small business survival ‘depends on people choosing local’

Three quarters of Scottish businesses say the support of local people is critical to their survival, as they battle continued unprecedented challenges.

The statistic has been revealed by the Scotland Loves Local campaign, as it issues a rallying cry for people to choose local this summer and support enterprises – and protect jobs – in their community.

Its call to action is supported by the Scottish Government, with the survey findings reinforcing the importance of grassroots action in fuelling a fairer and more sustainable national economy.

Research was carried out by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation which spearheads Scotland Loves Local, among its members and stakeholders, which include the country’s Business Improvement Districts (BIDs).

It found that 73% of businesses who responded said custom from residents in their local community as “extremely important”, with 13% describing it as “very important”.

Nine in 10 said it was important that people “love local” and get behind businesses in their community this summer.

The circular impact of businesses boosting their local economy was also reinforced by the survey, with three quarters of those who took part saying they buy from and sell to other local enterprises.

Planning Minister Joe FitzPatrick said: “We know town centres make a huge contribution to the economic and social success of our local communities, that’s why the Scottish Government has taken significant steps to help our towns, by supporting Scotland’s Towns Partnership to lead work on local strategies.

“I’m delighted the Scottish Government was able to provide an additional £250,000 for the development of the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card, which will make it easier for people to shop locally and support businesses in their towns and communities.”

Born as the nation emerged from the first Covid-19 lockdown in summer 2020, Scotland Loves Local has evolved into a campaign for longer-term good – encouraging people to make the places they live better by supporting the people and businesses around them.

STP chair Leigh Sparks, a retail academic who’s also the University of Stirling’s deputy principal, said: “Towns, villages and local places across Scotland – and the businesses that operate at their heart – are the economic and social glue of the country and our communities.

“The cost of living and the cost of doing business, though, continue to challenge both consumers and businesses.

“By choosing local – and getting behind the businesses in our communities – we will ensure the survival of shops and services.”

Businesswoman Doris Lenaghen, who owns gift shop Whimsic Alley on Falkirk High Street with her son Leslie, is promoting the call for people to choose local.

“The support of local people is important,“ she stated. “Without it, the high street would be dead.

“It’s not just about shopping though, it’s about people coming into the town centre to socialise too, supporting all sorts of businesses.

“If everyone spent just £5 more with local businesses every week it would make a huge difference.”

Kimberley Guthrie, STP’s interim chief executive, added: “We need to begin a permanent behaviour change in thinking local first this summer, whether for shopping, days out or simply local businesses trading with each other.”