Add Row 
Add 
Why Spending £1 More Could Change Dumfries
The Dumfries community is rallying behind a compelling initiative that could significantly enhance its local economy. As part of Scotland Loves Local Week (August 23-30), businesses and organizations are calling for residents to spend just £1 more each week with local businesses. This seemingly minor change could generate an impressive £7.5 million annually, creating a seismic impact on local jobs and livelihoods.
A Collective Effort: The Power of Local
Shop owners like Leah Halliday of Flourish, a gift shop and refillery, emphasize the importance of community support. "Any support that they can give local businesses ensures that money stays in the local economy, helping to keep our jobs and shops open. Even the smallest of purchases makes a difference," she explains. Halliday’s sentiments resonate throughout the town, emphasizing that the community's contributions are vital to sustainability. Each purchase retains value within Dumfries, empowering not just individual businesses but the region’s infrastructure as a whole.
The Human Touch: Building Relationships
Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) leads the charge for Scotland Loves Local, underpinning this week’s theme: People Make Places. This mantra highlights the intimate connection between residents and businesses. Small, local businesses are often the heart of their communities, offering not only goods and services but also a sense of belonging and identity. When residents support these businesses, they reinforce the social fabric that binds them.
Revitalizing Dumfries: A Community Vision
Midsteeple Quarter is a prime example of a community coming together for regeneration. Jakon Kaye, the enterprise manager, notes that this effort is about fostering an environment where people feel proud to live and work. "Our community-owned buildings are home to an array of locally-owned enterprises—from shops to technology start-ups—all of whom need the support of local people to thrive,” he states. This ethos aligns with the overarching goal of enriching the town and making Dumfries a sustainable, inviting place for both current and future residents.
Engagement through Creativity: The Stove Network
The Stove Network plays a crucial role in this narrative with its cafe on Dumfries High Street and its involvement in culturally-led regeneration initiatives. According to development director Katharine Wheeler, creativity is essential for community engagement. "We see ourselves as part of the everyday life of the town, working alongside others to make Dumfries a better place to live and work," she shares. By participating in Scotland Loves Local, they commit to fostering collaboration and harnessing local talents to drive change.
Why Your Support Matters
The request for an extra £1 is not just a financial figure; it encapsulates the power of community action. Engaging with local businesses means more than just purchasing items; it represents investing in the future of Dumfries. Each transaction rounds to grow the local economy and preserves jobs, allowing for sustainable development in an ever-changing landscape.
Take Action: Be Part of the Change
Why not take the challenge? By committing to spend just £1 more a week at local shops, you could be making a substantial difference in your community’s vitality. Your support ensures that businesses not only survive but thrive, creating a robust local economy that can withstand challenges and grow in strength.
In conclusion, as residents of Dumfries, we hold the power to shape the future through our local choices. By choosing to invest in our neighborhood, we can cultivate a rich community spirit and provide for generations to come.
Write A Comment