Scottish c-stores pledge support for local economy

Scottish convenience store leaders are backing a drive to help inject millions of pounds into local economies across Scotland.

The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) has signed the Scotland Loves Local Pledge - a commitment to supporting local businesses throughout the country whenever it can. It is hoped that the move will encourage other businesses and organisations to follow their lead, making a promise to target support and spending with those around them.

SGF highlighted its support for the pledge as Scotland Loves Local Week gets underway today (26). The week of action - spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) - highlights the transformational impact of choosing local more often the future of places and 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.”

The Scotland Loves Local Pledge states, “We will choose local, prioritising the people and businesses around us at every opportunity.”

Buchanan signed it for SGF at the Falkirk Costcutter store owned by Anand Cheema.

Cheema said, “Convenience stores like mine are there for local people whenever they need them. But we can’t be there for the community if residents are not here for us. Like every other kind of local shop, we need people to think more about what they can buy in their community - supporting the jobs of their friends and neighbours - before turning to online giants.

“That way we can be there to support other local businesses - as well as getting behind events and initiatives in the wider communities we serve.”

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.”

Scotland Loves Local Week highlights the critical difference that choosing local makes to building stronger, more sustainable, communities and will include events with Business Improvement Districts, social enterprises and others with visits by politicians and social media promotions.

STP leads the Scotland Loves Local initiative as a means to boost local economies and improve places by galvanising support for the people and businesses in them.

You can sign the Scotland Loves Local Pledge at www.lovelocal.scot/pledge.