
As the country emerges from lock down (albeit with trepidation) it’s apparent the landscape will never look the same…
This need not be a bad thing, quite the opposite in fact.
Many of the changes are for the better, including the way we have grown to appreciate the contribution of local businesses to keeping the economy running & communities active.
We & a group of fellow stationery and office technology suppliers have come together to launch a national campaign to ‘Keep It Local’.
Following all the grief and loss there must be lessons learned.
Things we took for granted we have learned to appreciate and admire.
The magnificence of the NHS, the commitment of our carers, bin men, public transport workers, lorry drivers, shop floor workers. The list goes on. All of them playing a part in creating a more united country with a willingness to help & care for each other.
Of course, they are not alone.
Behind the scenes there are many other businesses critical to our economy that have had to either be put on hold or adapt their offering to work within new guidelines, keeping the economy ticking over, servicing the local community.
“We too, have experienced the welcome move towards buying from local businesses during the recent pandemic,” explains Darren Turner, director of My Total Office Solutions.
“Our mission is to keep that trend going as the economy starts up again by encouraging people, businesses & organisations to actively strive to use more local companies for their stationery, supplies and office technology.”
“In fairness, the government has outlined plans by 2022 1 third of its’ own spend on goods & services will be with small and medium enterprises.”
“Our campaign is raising the awareness of this plan, ensuring the target is met & the public are provided with regular updates of progress, to encourage all organisations to follow suit.”
“The idea of buying local has been gathering momentum in recent years, but with the pandemic the landscape changed suddenly & dramatically.” Darren continued.
“Many businesses adapted their ways to service the community with local drop-offs, safe pick-up points, newly built websites & social media stores. They had to, if they wanted to survive. In doing so, these organisations became the life blood of the local community.”
“The support from the local area has been heart-warming” concluded Darren, “and has enabled us to stay afloat through the pandemic.”
“Now as we head back towards ‘normality’ it is essential that we do not forget about businesses like us that have helped to keep the country ticking over, which is why it is so important that people get behind our ‘Keep It Local’ campaign.”
You can do this in 3 ways:
- Sign our online ‘Keep it Local’ petition
- Write to your local MP asking them to support ‘Keep it Local’
- Post photographs of you & your friends buying goods locally
“Together we can change the buying habits of a nation and grow our local economy by increasing spend in our communities and taking us into a healthier and wealthier new era.”
Information on the benefits of supporting local business & how you can get involved.
…can be found at www.keep-it-local.co.uk