Think local and and help boost our businesses
The last few years have been very tough ones, with communities like ours all over Britain feeling the impact of businesses struggling to stay afloat. It's a situation made worse by high unemployment and cuts to services.
But what many of us don't realise is that where we choose to spend our hard-earned cash can have a major effect on our local economy.
We all know about carbon footprints and Fairtrade products, but do we ever stop to think about the effect of where we spend our money has on our own local economy right here in Shropshire?
When you shop at a local business, even if it's a national chain, you're helping to create local employment. And more people in our local economy having work is a good thing for all of us – it means there's more money circulating in our local economy, less people needing support, more people able to buy things that then help other businesses to grow, and so the virtuous circle goes on.
Nigel Lomax, who owns TaxAssist Accountants of Shrewsbury knows just how important it is to support local businesses, as many are his clients.
"There's nothing worse than seeing an empty high street," said Nigel, who employs eight people including himself, and is a supporter of the Buy Local campaign.
"We are always very flexible when it comes to dealing with local businesses, because we know about the problems they may have. We buy everything from local people. Rather than using the power of the internet we use the power of local suppliers."
Nigel set up shop in Shrewsbury 10 years ago. His company is part of a franchise. "Shrewsbury was a really nice place to set up, with a strong, thriving business community," said Nigel.
Business has grown steadily year on year, through natural progression and word of mouth, even throughout the recession. The company's first premises was on the Battlefield Industrial Estate before it moved to a bigger one in Sundorne Road.
Nigel has recently taken on 18-year-old apprentice, Brett Evans, who is 'doing really well'. He prides himself on looking after his staff.
"I have got people who have been with me for a long time, and they are rewarded as the business grows with various incentives," said Nigel.
"We must be doing something right to grow consecutively year on year, through difficult times."
What is the local economy?
It's a phrase often banded around by politicians and promoted by business leaders . . . but should it really strike a chord with the average man and woman on the street?
In a nutshell, yes. The small decisions you make every day about where to shop, and how to spend your money can make a real difference to your local economy.
And that's a good thing for all of us, because it means every one of us has the power to support and safeguard our local villages, towns and cities.
As Christmas approaches, it's your spending power which could keep local traders open and stop shopping centres turning into 'shut up shop' towns. Your pounds spent wisely could make a better place for us all.