The £9.4m per year impact of spending just £1 per week more with West Lothian businesses

Linlithgow Business Improvement District is among those highlighting the significant difference that can be made - safeguarding the future of businesses and protecting jobs - as part of Scotland Loves Local Week.

An extra £9.4 million per year could be driven directly into West Lothian’s economy if everyone in the region spent just £1-a-week more with local businesses.

Linlithgow Business Improvement District is among those highlighting the significant difference that can be made - safeguarding the future of businesses and protecting jobs - as part of Scotland Loves Local Week.

Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation which spearheads Scotland Loves Local, has calculated the boost for the region which could come from the simple additional £1 spend with businesses based here.

Awareness is being raised throughout this week, under the banner of People Make Places - underpinning the human impact that choosing local has.

One Linlithgow BID manager Tony I’Anson said: “After working closely with BIDs for more then 10 years - and being a local business owner for over 30 years.

“I can honestly say that supporting local businesses, no matter how much or little you can afford, really does help the long-term viability of your town.

“Even going out locally for a drink with a colleague or friend is a re-investment into where you live. So raise a glass this week to Scotland Loves Local Week.”

STP flies the flag for the critical part that towns and local neighbourhoods play in creating a better Scotland and the need to invest in them.

Its Chief Officer, Kimberley Guthrie, said: “The reality is that £9.4m is the tip of the iceberg of what can be achieved in West Lothian.

“If £1 more every week can make a transformational impact to the people who make our places, just imagine what is truly possible by choosing local even more.

“Money stays local for longer when you spend with local businesses.The multiplier effect is massive. These businesses spend with other businesses, who employ other local people, who then spend with other local businesses. Every penny spent is an investment in the future of your area.

“The jobs and livelihoods of your neighbours, friends and family depend on you doing so.”

Scotland Loves Local is the drive for people to build stronger, more sustainable futures for their community by supporting the businesses in their area. It is supported by the Scottish Government.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Local spending is vital to the prosperity of our villages, towns and cities. It keeps people in jobs, businesses open and wealth in communities.

“The Scottish Government continues to work closely with Scotland’s Towns Partnership to drive forward the Scotland Loves Local campaign which aims to strengthen communities by putting localism and thriving town centres and high streets at the heart of a green, fair and growing economy.

“To create jobs and boost local economies we are also progressing our Community Wealth Building Bill which would, if passed by MSPs, encourage councils, NHS boards and other public bodies to buy more goods and services from their local businesses.”

Throughout Scotland Loves Local Week, politicians will be visiting businesses across the country to celebrate the work that they do.

More information getting involved is available at www.lovelocal.scot

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