More funds for Shop Local scheme to help Bishopbriggs and Bearsden businesses

LovesLocal will continue in Bishopbriggs and Bearsden until the Spring after the success of the initiative and renewed funding from Scottish Towns Partnerships.

Around 100 businesses are now being promoted on the new Town websites and a social media to encourage local communities to #ThinkLocalFirst.

A Loves Local Valentine’s Day campaign and Mother’s Day push is underway. The Loves Local team is keen to hear from any local business with something to help both these days special.

Firms can promote themselves via the Loves Local website and social media.

With the anticipated relaxing of restrictions for Easter, the #LovesLocal campaign aims to continue to build momentum to ensure everyone stays local and the shop local message remains as important than ever.

Damon Scott, Chief Executive, Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “As we all stay home in an effort to stem the spread of the virus, local communities are now, more than ever, at the heart of where we shop, what we can do and where we eat.”

“We are currently conducting a survey to ask local businesses where they need support, how we can help, such as one-to-one website or online support, and will use this feedback to expand the campaign.

“Choosing to shop, eat and think locally makes more than just economic sense – it is more sustainable and better for the environment.”

Peter O’Neil from Bishopbriggs School of Music has benefited from the project.

He said: “In these very difficult times the Loves Local team have been a godsend to us.

"They worked very hard at getting everyone’s message out and I would say they have provided us with 10 new students who saw the post about our Music School.”

Loves Local is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered locally by the Chamber with the support of East Dunbartonshire Council and Business Gateway East Dunbartonshire.

Visit www.bearsden.org.uk and https://bishopbriggs.co.uk/