Edinburgh Chamber Promotes 'Shop Local' in the Capital
Published 16 March 2009
Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce today launches its campaign to encourage shoppers to support the capital's retailers by choosing to 'Shop Local'.
Michael Apter, Director of Paper Tiger and Studio One said: "There is a symbiotic relationship between all of the businesses and the people in a neighbourhood. In an area such as the West End Village we have an unique collection of shops, boutiques, bars and restaurants that add value to this area of the city - and to Edinburgh as a whole.
"The diversity of retail and leisure in the city centre is a draw for tourists and visitors to Edinburgh. The many headquarters buildings in the Exchange area are a huge resource for small businesses like Studio One and Paper Tiger, but we're also useful independents to have on the doorstep, offering a refreshing change from the average High Street. A thriving independent retail and leisure offer in the city will continue to attract new business and investment to Edinburgh, but it's essential that the people who live and work in the city appreciate and use the local businesses that surround them."
Mark McCluskey heads up Kallkwik, the award winning print business. Mark said: "The print industry in the Lothians has an outstanding tradition and reputation for quality work produced by well trained and highly skilled staff.
"Unfortunately this has been seriously effected over the last few years where print buyers have often been lured by 'special offers' whether via the net or from suppliers producing the work in countries where labour costs are significantly lower. However it is often the case that Special Offers do not include all the costs. Also printed material is heavy and therefore transport and associated environmental costs need to be seriously considered. The greatest cost however is in the loss of highly skilled people from the industry with the associated loss of opportunities for young people to train and develop to become the skilled staff of tomorrow.
"We will therefore be supporting the Chamber's Buy Local campaign and will be looking closely at how our buying can help support local businesses. If we all adopt this approach we all stand to gain."
Chamber Chief Executive Ron Hewitt said: "For the City's retailers to stay one step ahead of the game, we must support their efforts through this difficult time. Edinburgh is a cosmopolitan City competing on the world stage, and we certainly have no wish to be seen as protectionist, but our attractiveness is greatly enhanced by the diversity of local suppliers who compliment the widest selection of products from National suppliers. The vibrancy of the City's businesses is vital to the Capital's image at home and abroad. Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce is happy to be the focal point for Edinburgh's business community and our members in particular to run this campaign to emphasise the benefits of buying from local suppliers and the help that will give all parties through recession and into growth."