Scotland Loves Local: Everyone can make a difference

The difference that every single person can make by choosing local should never be underestimated.

That message - and the multi-million pound benefits it can deliver - was shouted loudly and proudly as part of Scotland Loves Local Week 2025.

People and politicians across Glasgow embraced the message, reminding us all that behind every shopfront is a neighbour, friend or relative. Every time we spend with them we are helping to protect livelihoods and secure services.

Every penny spent with a local business is an investment in the future of your community.

Possilpark Business Improvement District chair Jim Garrity summed it up perfectly, when he said during Scotland Loves Local Week: “Every time we choose to spend locally - whether it’s buying from a neighbourhood shop, using a local service provider, or supporting a community initiative - we’re making a meaningful investment in our own communities.

“Local spending helps small businesses thrive, creating jobs. It also strengthens social ties, preserving the unique character of areas such as ours".

“By choosing local, we’re not just making a purchase—we’re building a stronger, more resilient community. Let’s keep it local, and keep it thriving.”

Scotland Loves Local is a year-round drive spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), encouraging everyone to think local first - to prioritise spending with businesses based in your home area before looking further afield.

One of the ways in which it encourages people to lock money into the local economy is by spending with the Scotland Loves Local Glasgow Gift Card.

Research released by STP during Scotland Loves Local Week (August 23-30) highlighted that £33m-a-year-extra could be driven into Glasgow’s economy if everyone in the city spent just £1-a-week more with local businesses. That amasses to almost 283m across Scotland.

Kimberley Guthrie, STP’s Chief Officer, said: “Choosing is local is something we can all do the year-round. It’s simple. Yet the difference it makes is transformational.

“The reality is that £33m is the tip of the iceberg of what can be achieved in Glasgow alone. 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.”

Millions of pounds has been spent with businesses in Glasgow using the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card, which is delivered by Scottish fintech Miconex, in partnership with STP.

David O’Neil, Chief Customer Officer at Miconex, said: “The Scotland Loves Local Gift Card is transforming communities across the country, giving people and organisations an easy way to support local businesses.

“Every business which accepts the card, every person who buys the card as a gift and every organisation that uses the card for rewards, incentives and support is making a tangible, positive impact on our local communities".

Find out more at www.lovelocal.scot.