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Sedgemoor fm have launched a new local initiative called Think Local First.
The campaign, launched simultaneously on air, and at the Sedgemoor fm Business Breakfast networking event, is all about encouraging people to pause and consider their impact when making choices.
Speaking about the new campaign, Marketing Director Neil Fellowes said: “We know from working with local business advertisers and hosting business networking events that there are a huge number of brilliant local businesses who are in need of support, particularly as we approach the end of the financial year.
“We want to encourage our listeners to consider local options before opting for the convenience of big chains. Not only will you be supporting the local economy, you’ll likely find competitive prices and great service right on your doorstep!”
Fellowes said, “Sometimes people can feel a bit like they don’t have too much control over life, but when you think local first you start to see that we can exert some control over some things such as life choices, our home life, our families and our community.”
Fellowes said, “The campaign is not about thinking local and only local, to the exclusion of everything else, it’s just about making it our first consideration wherever possible and supporting our local economy and local initiatives. It’s about building a stronger town and a stronger region.”
When asked to explain more about why thinking local first is important Fellowes said, “If you think about it from a financial point of view, if we support local businesses rather than going online and buying from abroad, what happens is money stays in the local economy.
“Apparently money stays in the local economy it multiplies up to 14 times. So £100 is worth £1400 to the local economy. And that could turn into wages for someone, which in turn might be food or dancing lessons or a bike of football coaching for someone’s child. I think we’d rather see that happening that the money going outside our economy and being spent on a billionaire’s yacht.”
The Cost of Local Goods
The challenge for some might be the fact that some goods are more expensive when bought from local stores.
On this Fellowes said, “Sometimes things do cost more locally. And that’s why we say, think local first. If you can… you do. If you can’t this time, no problem.
“But it’s not just about money and buying locally. It’s also about supporting the good that happens locally like supporting events, and charities and volunteering a bit of time to support good causes.
“We can draw inspiration from other communities that run similar campaigns too.”
What will happen with the Think Local First Campaign
The Bridgwater-based radio station wants to hear what “Think Local First” means to other people and they want people and businesses to get involved.
Fellowes added, “We’ll be working with local retailers and towards the year end we’ll crank things up and do some fun and interesting things that involve lots of people.”
If you would like to get involved please use the contact for on our website.
If you would like to read the Think Local First update click here