The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) has signed the Scotland Loves Local Pledge – a commitment to support local businesses.
SGF highlighted its support for the pledge as ‘Scotland Loves Local Week’ got underway yesterday. The week of action – spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) – highlights the “transformational impact of choosing local more” for regional economies.
SGF’s members operate more than 5,000 convenience stores across Scotland, employing almost 50,000 people. Part of its commitment to supporting Scottish businesses through its network includes its SGF Go Local Programme, which has increased the store space given to Scottish food and drink producers, including fresh and healthy produce.
Jamie Buchanan, SGF’s Go Local Programme Director, said: “As well as the local services they offer their communities, convenience stores provide an essential local economic multiplier effect. Boosting local growth and employment across the local business chain.
“The purpose of initiatives like SGF Go Local and Scotland Loves Local is to extend those benefits even further. Meaning that communities benefit from access to affordable quality local produce, while supporting sustainability, local jobs and economic growth. It’s a win win.
“SGF and STP have worked hand in hand over many years to encourage local living, and we are delighted to be a signatory to the Scotland Loves Local Pledge.”
Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation which spearheads Scotland Loves Local with support from the Scottish Government, believes millions of pounds more can be injected into regional economies if more residents think local first.
Kimberley Guthrie, STP’s Chief Officer, said: “Convenience stores are at the core of communities across the country. SGF’s support for the pledge highlights the part every person and business can play in supporting each other and boosting local economies.
“The power of choosing local more often – whether that be residents doing so in their daily lives or businesses supporting other local businesses – is transformational.
“Greater support for local enterprises protects jobs and businesses. And that support underpins the tireless work taking place to help communities adapt to our ever-changing world, seizing opportunities to innovate, invest and make our communities better places to live, work and visit.”
