An extra £9.5 million each year could be injected into Renfrewshire’s economy if everyone in the area spent just £1 more each week in local businesses, according to Scotland's national towns' collective.
Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation behind Scotland Loves Local, has calculated that if every person in Scotland were to spend just £1 more per week with local businesses, an additional £282.7 million would be generated annually.
This potential economic boost is being highlighted as part of the Scotland Loves Local Week 2025 initiative, which aims to emphasise the impact of supporting local enterprises.
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Kimberley Guthrie, chief officer of STP, said: "The reality is that £9.5 million is the tip of the iceberg of what can be achieved in Renfrewshire.
"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.
"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."
This year’s Scotland Loves Local Week is running from now until Saturday, August 30, with the theme of People Make Places.
Some of Scotland’s biggest advocates for the campaign have been Paisley’s businesses, which have highlighted the transformational impact of backing local businesses on the region’s future.
Elaine Templeton, chair of Paisley First Business Improvement District, said: "Every pound you spend locally is a vote for the people who make Paisley special.
"Behind every shopfront is someone's neighbour, friend or family – so let’s support the people who make Paisley great this Scotland Loves Local Week.
"As well as thinking local first, you can spread the word with friends and family, engage with local businesses on social media, leave a positive review online, buy vouchers and gift cards and attend local events."
Jill Roddie, manager of Spex Appeal, said: "If local people don’t get behind us, our businesses are not going to be here.
"Local businesses support local people.
"By supporting them, you’re helping the whole community."
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Meanwhile, Paisley’s STV weather presenter Sean Batty, an ambassador for Scotland Loves Local, is promoting the initiative nationally.
He said: "People really do make places – and with a little determination, and a whole lot of heart, there are people who go above and beyond in every community just to make things better for all of us.
"Local businesses are magical.
"They’re at the heart of communities – and we can all make a positive difference to everyone’s future by getting behind them.
"Scotland Loves Local Week is a fantastic chance to shine a spotlight on them and the other organisations working to make the places we call home better."
Throughout Scotland Loves Local Week, which runs until August 30, Paisley First will unveil the winners of its Love Paisley Star Awards.
Politicians will also visit businesses across the region to celebrate their contributions.
For more information on how to get involved with the initiative, visit the Scotland Loves Local website.
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