Martin Whitfield MSP and Douglas Alexander MP have this week championed local businesses and communities as they helped to mark Scotland Loves Local Week.
Spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), Scotland Loves Local Week (Monday 26 August – Sunday 1 September) is showcasing great local people and enterprises, highlighting the critical need for residents to support them to build stronger, more sustainable communities for the future.
Throughout Scotland Loves Local Week, businesses and politicians are joining forces to call on everyone across East Lothian get behind local businesses in order to help drive communities forward.
People across the region are also being encouraged to sign the Scotland Loves Local Pledge – signalling their commitment to choosing local whenever they possibly can, supporting the people and businesses around them.
Working with East Lothian Food and Drink, Mr Alexander and Mr Whitfield visited The Premium Bakery in Prestonpans during the week to hear more about the work the business is doing for the local economy and community.
Martin Whitfield MSP said:
“I was delighted to visit The Premium Bakery again and catch up with some of its latest developments. Local businesses like them are at the heart of the economy and communities across East Lothian.
“Scotland Loves Local Week is our chance to recognise the role of these enterprises and thank them for all that they are doing. Loving local means supporting a sustainable future for East Lothian and making it an even better place to live, work and visit.”
Douglas Alexander MP said:
“I was pleased to meet with Graeme and his colleagues at The Premium Bakery to hear more about the fantastic work they are doing to support the local economy and jobs, as well as some of the challenges the business has been facing.
“They are a great example of a local business that really cares about its place in the community and the impact it has on it. By getting behind these local enterprises, the public can help ensure their survival, safeguard jobs, and keep money circulating in the local economy.”
Graeme Ford, owner of The Premium Bakery, said:
“It was good to meet Martin and Douglas and appreciate their time visiting us. It was an opportunity to showcase local business and what it can provide for the economy. The visit also provided a chance for us to share the experiences, challenges and opportunities we face.
“Their commitment to supporting businesses in the community is commendable, and we look forward to continuing this important dialogue to help drive growth and success in our local communities.”
Kimberley Guthrie, STP’s Interim Chief Officer, said:
“Scotland Loves Local Week is a nationwide celebration of local excellence and it is fantastic that we’re welcoming politicians from across the country into businesses, social enterprises and community-led organisations to showcase the great spirit of entrepreneurialism and innovation we have here in Scotland.
“The simple act of choosing local has a profound effect, laying the foundations of a new future for towns and neighbourhoods as we seize and create opportunities to make them stronger and more sustainable. We need everyone to step forward and make a difference.”
People, businesses and other organisations can sign the Scotland Loves Local Pledge by going to www.lovelocal.scot/pledge.