Paisley businesses backing Scotland Loves Local Week

Paisley businesses are leading the call for people across Renfrewshire to shop close to home, highlighting how even small changes in spending habits can have a big impact.

The call comes as part of Scotland Loves Local Week, which runs from June 13 to 20 and is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership with support from the Scottish Government.

It aims to build stronger, more sustainable communities by supporting businesses on the doorstep.

Local Paisley business: Homezone (Image: Love Local)

With Renfrewshire joining in World Cup excitement, the campaign message is even more relevant.

Throughout Paisley, many shops are decked out with flags celebrating the tournament, with some selling merchandise, keepsakes and essentials for those hosting get-togethers to watch Scotland in action.

Local Paisley business: Rainbow Turtle (Image: Love Local)

Elaine Templeton, chair of Paisley First, said: “Our local businesses are the heartbeat of our town centre, but they need your backing.

“There’s no better place to soak up the atmosphere for the World Cup, and football aside, there’s plenty happening here in Paisley this summer.

“Remember, around 70p from every pound spent locally, stays local.

“So by meeting friends for lunch, enjoying some retail therapy or signing up for that workshop, you can do your bit to support the local community and its businesses.

“Please love local and support our town.”

Local Paisley business: Foneomenal (Image: Love Local)

Tom Arthur, the Scottish Government Minister for Business and Fair Work, last week met with Paisley First to hear about the Business Improvement District’s work and its ongoing efforts to encourage and support new enterprises in the town.

One of those newer businesses is Laura Provan’s jewellery studio on Gauze Street, which opened on Valentine’s Day this year.

Laura Provan opened her jewellery studio and shop in Paisley this year (Image: Love Local)

Laura said: “I’m Paisley born and bred, so this was only ever going to be the place I opened a business, and create the style of shop that I would like to see.

“It’s extremely important that local people get behind local businesses.

“Small, independent businesses are at the heart of the town.

“They are what make every town centre unique.

“You want businesses here that you’re not going to find anywhere else.

“But, to have that, we all need local support.”

Local Paisley business: Japan Street Food (Image: Love Local)

Paisley was named town of the year in last year’s Scotland Loves Local Awards.

This award recognised the significant investments being made in the town centre – including the landmark transformation of Paisley Museum – as well as wider work to encourage new enterprise.

Scotland’s Towns Partnership last year estimated that an additional £9.5m a year could be directly driven into Renfrewshire’s economy if everyone in the area spent just £1 a week more in local businesses.

Local Paisley business: Baru (Image: Love Local)

Kimberley Guthrie, chief officer at Scotland’s Towns Partnership, said: “It is easy to underestimate the impact of local people supporting local businesses, and local businesses supporting one another.

“Yet every one of us can play a remarkable role in driving community wealth and building stronger, more resilient communities simply by choosing to do so.”

Throughout next week, people are being urged to celebrate their favourite local businesses by posting on social media using the hashtag #ScotlandLovesLocal.