An extra £19.2m could be driven directly into Fife’s economy if everyone in the region spent just £1-a-week more with local businesses.

The significant financial difference that can be made – safeguarding the future of businesses and protecting jobs – has been highlighted as part of Scotland Loves Local Week.

Businesses and organisations across the region are championing the transformational impact of choosing local as part of a series of events, themed on People Make Places, running until Saturday (August 30).

Cowdenbeath businessman and hot sauce maker Ewen MacKenzie, owner of Something Different and dubbed the ‘The Red Hot Chilli Fifer’ due to his fiery creations, has customers from all over the world eager to sample his sauces, but local support is still of critical importance.

“I have a lot of regular customers and I am constantly trying new ideas, putting together new combinations to see what works and what doesn’t. 

“As a business owner I am always thinking of new ways to promote the business and reach new people, but it’s so important that local people support local businesses. I’ve been saying for years – use us or lose us.”

Councillor Altany Craik, Spokesperson for Finance, Economy and Strategic Planning at Fife Council said: “Scotland Loves Local Week is a great opportunity and important reminder to come out and support your local high streets. It is an opportunity to spend with local businesses, supporting the people who run them and keeping that money locked into local economies.

“We are delighted to support Scotland Loves Local Week here in Fife. By choosing to shop, eat and do business locally, we strengthen our communities, protect local jobs and help our town centres thrive.

“Every pound spent locally is an investment in Fife’s future, and together we can all keep Fife’s towns and villages buzzing and make them even better places to live, work and visit.”

The call to think local first is championed by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) – the organisation behind Scotland Loves Local – with support from the Scottish Government.

STP has calculated that, if every person in Scotland were to spend just £1 more per week with local businesses in their area, an additional £282.7m would be generated annually. 

STP Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie said: “The reality is that £5.9m is the tip of the iceberg of what can be achieved for Fife. 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.The multiplier effect is massive. 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 the region.

“The jobs and livelihoods of your neighbours, friends and family depend on you doing so.”

STP champions the critical part that towns and local neighbourhoods play in creating a better Scotland and the need to invest in them.

Meanwhile the deadline to enter Scotland Loves Local Awards has been extended to encourage the recognition of more outstanding businesses in the country. Entries can now be submitted until 11.55pm on Wednesday 27th August at www.lovelocal.scot/awards/

Also pictured as part of the campaign was Hazel Anderson who runs popular High St business Lucie-Sue Coffee Shop & Gift Boutique. Hazel is a steadfast supporter of community initiatives and encourages shoppers to spend a few pounds in the High Street each week to help support businesses in the area.

More information on getting involved in Scotland Loves Local Week are available at www.lovelocal.scot or by emailing info@lovelocal.scot