A campaign to persuade businesses in the north-east to spend more of their locally was launched yesterday at an event in Aberdeen.
The Buy North East campaign was established to deliver an economic boost to the region in the wake of the collapse in oil prices.
Russell Borthwick, chief executive of Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC), urged local firms to a pledge to support the campaign, by putting “Buy North East” on their next board agenda, and then move at least one contract or piece of business to a local supplier.
In turn, the names of companies involved will be added to the Buy North East Roll of Honour. The efforts of participating firms will then be recognised in an eight-week campaign being run across the Press & Journal in print and online.
He said: “Fasten your seatbelts for Buy North East which we are launching today to get the issue of local procurement on the business agenda in the region.
“At a time when many businesses and individuals are feeling the impact of the downturn here, we think it is more important than ever that we collectively do all we can to help the regional economy to protect and create jobs here.
“Many millions of pounds are spent every year by businesses based in Aberdeeen city and shire in the public, private and third sectors. “That money is spent with companies elsewhere in the UK or even further afield, meaning that expenditure does not circulate in the local economy here.
“It may be true that business has been lost to the region because of the cost or service levels traditionally. We believe that is changing now.”
The campaign launch, held at independent restaurant Rye & Soda, was backed by the restaurant’s managing director, Adrian Gomes, as well as Christopher Littlejohn, the acting deputy director of public health for NHS Grampian.
Mr Gomes warned that, without firms willing to support local businesses, more restaurants would close their doors.
He said: “Over the next year we will see more casualties in this industry. It is going to be a rough next year. Even if you switch just one meal to independents, it will make a difference.”
Mr Littlejohn said NHS Grampian spends £1billion each year with suppliers.
He said local procurement made sense both for both the health of the economy and the population of the region.
“What creates health in a population is a vibrant economy, employment and well paying jobs,” he said.
“Anything which helps to sustain and increase the local economy from an NHS health service point of view has to be a good thing – it is absolutely something we support.”
The campaign is led by a partnership including the Press and Journal publisher Aberdeen Journals, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils, AGCC and Scottish Enterprise.
For more information or to sign up to the campaign visit www.buynortheast.co.uk. On twitter follow #buyNE.
