Leading Aberdeen politicians get behind Scotland Loves Local Week – as figures show spending £1 more a week could boost city economy by £11.6million
Two of Aberdeen’s leading politicians have joined the drive to boost businesses in the city centre during Scotland Loves Local Week - as new figures reveal more than £1 million could be injected into the Granite City’s economy if people spent just £1 more a week with local traders.
The statistics were unveiled by Scotland’s Towns Partnership who spearhead the Scotland Loves Local campaign, supported by Aberdeen Inspired.
And the importance of supporting local was reinforced by Aberdeen MSPs Kevin Stewart and Audrey Nicoll who visited city centre businesses as part of the special week-long campaign, which ends on Saturday, August 30.
The leading politicians called in at Molly’s Bistro and Glenhouse Aberdeen, both of which are part of Aberdeen Inspired’s hugely successful and pioneering Aberdeen Gift Card scheme and will be taking part in Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks, also run by the city centre Business Improvement District.
Audrey Nicoll said: “As the daughter of a greengrocer, I have always been loyal to independent businesses regardless of what type of business they are. I know the importance of small businesses in local areas to the community, to the people that live in communities, and just the immense value they bring to those areas. So since I’ve become an MSP, I have supported Scotland Loves Local every year.”
Supporting Scotland Loves Local Week in Aberdeen are, from left, Kevin Stewart MSP; Mary Martin, owner of Molly's Bistro; Audrey Nicoll MSP; Catherine Shaugnessy, manager of Molly's Bistro, and Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
The MSP also praised Aberdeen Inspired’s local business boosting initiatives, Aberdeen Gift Card – which has generated £4 million boost for “bricks and mortar” traders - and Aberdeen Restaurants Weeks, which is set to kick off on Monday, September 1, just as Scotland Loves Local Week ends.
Audrey said: “Aberdeen Gift Card is an initiative I actually used recently, I bought a gift card to present as a prize while I was doing a little project with a local school in my constituency.
“(Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks) is an opportunity for people who do like going out for something to eat to maybe try somewhere new. For people who don’t normally do that, it’s an opportunity to maybe do something different and try a dining experience.”
Kevin Stewart said that it was immensely important that people spend their money locally.
“You get better service from local businesses, and it ensures the money you are spending is recirculating in the economy here in Aberdeen,” he said. “Far too many of us now are going online and buying things from international companies with no local benefits whatsoever.
“So, I'm very pleased to be at Molly’s Bistro and Glenhouse Aberdeen. I would call on folks across the city to come and experience both places in terms of their food and their beverages. Spend your money here, spend it wisely, and make sure your money is doing the maximum it can for the great city of Aberdeen.”
Kevin also praised the Aberdeen Gift Card and Aberdeen Restaurants Week as great ideas.
“I’m particularly pleased that Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks continues to be a success. I hope folk will take full advantage of it and maybe spend that little bit extra on treats in our hospitality venues in the city at a time when prices might be just a little bit lower.”
Mary Martin, owner of the Douglas Hotel and Molly’s Bistro said she was pleased to welcome both Audrey and Kevin on their visit to support Scotland Loves Local Week.
“I know they are both heavily invested in Aberdeen, and I am delighted to see that. We (Molly’s Bistro) are a local, independent favourite favourite – a ‘gem’ as somebody said – so it is always local all the way for us. Aberdeen is great, it needs this and it’s great for Aberdeen.”
Parveen Sood, business expansions and operations manager with Glenhouse Aberdeen, shared Mary’s enthusiasm at welcoming the MSPs and their support local message.
“If we support local, the money stays in the community, and it gives the benefit back to everyone. It is about how we can support each other so we can grow together,” he said, adding Glenhouse uses local suppliers, such as Brewdog and The Bread Maker, to live up to the support local ethos.
Mary Martin, owner of Molly's Bistro, and MSPs Kevin Stewart and Audrey Nicoll discuss the importance of supporting local. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said that Scotland Loves Local was a vitally important campaign, especially for the city centre.
“Aberdeen has a wealth of fantastic shops, restaurants, bars, and a host of other attractions. We want to see all of them thrive and succeed, but they can only do that if people support local,” he said.
“That isn’t just a message for the people of Aberdeen, but of the wider north-east. The Granite City is their regional city and with their support it can only go from strength to strength in these difficult times. So, please, support local, shop local and love local.”
Adrian also pointed to the eye-opening statistics from Scotland’s Towns Partnership about the huge impact that would accrue if people just spent £1 more with local businesses.
STP calculates that would boost Aberdeen’s economy annually by £11.6 million, the wider north-east economy by £45.8 million and £282.7 million across Scotland.
Adrian said: “That just shows how doing a little can achieve a lot, especially in terms of giving local businesses the boost they need and deserve.
“I am delighted that Aberdeen Inspired is helping in that drive with our Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks and our trailblazing Aberdeen Gift Card, which has generated more than £4 million for the local economy while bringing people into the city and spending in bricks and mortar businesses.”
STP Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie said: “The reality is that £45.8m is the tip of the iceberg of what can be achieved in the north and east. 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.”
More information about Scotland Loves Local can be found at www.lovelocal.scot
You can find out more about Aberdeen Gift Card here.
For more information on Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks, including a full line-up of participating eateries, visit the Aberdeen Inspired website here.