I am writing today as a local person as well as a politician, but I hope this can be considered by all of us, regardless of political parties.
As a keen supporter of Buying Local, I wanted to share with you the five reasons I think you should head over to some of our great local shops this Christmas and help our economy thrive.
1. The local economy
When you buy from a local business, more money stays in the local economy. This has a positive effect on everything from the cost of local produce to local property prices.
2. Making the right choice
Not only do you support local farmers when you purchase local food produce, you also do yourself a favour.
Local produce tends to have a short field-to-fork journey that means fresher food and more nutrients.
Additionally, if you are like me and want to do all you can for the environment then think about all the lorry fuel and extra packaging that is wasted in transporting produce from miles away, or even overseas.
3. Supporting British business people
I was recently shocked by an ITV documentary that revealed the number of UK brands that we all know and love, that are actually owned by overseas companies or investors (see some of the brands in the picture below).
It was quite a shock. I am appreciative that without their input thousands of jobs would have been lost in their closure, but nonetheless it made for difficult viewing.
4. Retaining community
It’s not all about businesses. Small towns like ours have local groups for all kinds of weird and wonderful purposes, including the youth political group Conservative Future that I run. It is not hard to see how cafes, bookshops and halls help encourage and expand these groups and allow us all to undertake new hobbies and meet new people.
5. Customer service
Let’s be honest, that is enough said for that one! It may be true that not all small or local businesses share the same ethical code of conduct but from my experience I find it as rewarding to buy from good people as I do when buying for a good price.
If you are like me and are already sold on Buying Local you may be interested in a local project I have been involved in working on (www.spaldinglinks.co.uk).
Spalding Links hosts a local business directory and also a great upcoming events calendar with lots of Christmas events in Spalding and surrounding areas.
Me and Drive by Websites have been working on this website in the lead up to 2015, and we hope that it serves our town through 2015 and beyond.
It does not cost to add your business to Spalding Links or to use it.
If you have any interest in getting involved you can contact me on 07761098517 or at [email protected]
Buy local for Christmas.
Jack McLean
Conservative candidate
Spalding St Johns
