Peeking behind the curtain of modern business strategies, one might discover a potent blend of commerce and conscience – local sourcing. It’s more than just a buzzword, it’s a business model that intertwines commercial growth with community well-being. From the high street cafes to the industrial heartlands, this innovative approach is redefining businesses, bolstering local economy, and fostering a sense of community camaraderie. As we delve into this comprehensive analysis, we’ll untangle the intricacies of local sourcing and explore its manifold benefits, providing insights on why it could turn out to be the ultimate win-win strategy for both businesses and communities. So sit back, grab your reading glasses, and prepare for an enlightening deep-dive into the world of local sourcing.
Introduction to Local Sourcing
In the contemporary economic landscape, the concept of **local sourcing** has gained significant prominence. As globalization intensifies, such practices emerge as a counter-narrative, highlighting the significance of sustaining local businesses while promoting community development. Local sourcing, as the term implies, refers to the procurement of goods and services from locally based suppliers. This doesn’t only apply to raw materials or tangible goods but also to services that constitute the operational aspects of a business.
**The cornerstone of local sourcing** lies in its inherent ability to create symbiotic relationships. Local businesses can lean into the existing infrastructure, human resources, and raw materials within their communities. Simultaneously, the community benefits from this interaction as it stimulates economic growth, creates jobs and fosters a sense of pride and identity.
Take, for example, a bakery sourcing its grains from farms within its community. The bakery ensures the freshness and quality of its product while giving business to the local farms. The farms, in return, gain a reliable consumer and the assurance that their goods have a consistent demand in the local market. This cycle is not only economically fruitful but also fosters a sense of interdependence and mutual growth.
Relevance in today’s economy, you ask? Well, the answer can be found in the shifting dynamics of the global economy. As society gravitates towards sustainable practices, local sourcing is increasingly seen as a way to reduce the environmental footprint of businesses. Shorter supply chains mean less transportation, reducing carbon emissions and supporting the global drive towards sustainability.
Additionally, in an era characterized by consumer awareness and individuality, the appeal of unique, locally produced goods is on the rise. Supporting local businesses are viewed as a means to preserve local culture and authenticity, adding another dimension to the consumer experience. This pivotal aspect of modern entrepreneurial culture underscores a shift towards localization within the global economy – a trend that promises to reshape market dynamics and redefine consumer behavior for the foreseeable future.
Benefits of Local Sourcing for Businesses
From a financial perspective alone, **local sourcing** often results in substantial savings. By reducing transportation costs and delays, companies can significantly cut shipping and logistics expenses. This reduction directly affects a business’s bottom line, allowing them to either reinvest those savings or reduce product selling prices, giving them a more competitive position in the market.
However, economical benefits are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to local sourcing. The real gem lies in the potential **increased quality control**. When partners are close by, businesses are able to keep a more careful eye on the production processes. This closeness facilitates open communication and allows companies to modify or address issues promptly, ensuring the final product aligns with the company’s quality standards. Such attention to detail strongly impacts customer satisfaction.
Moreover, **positive brand identity** takes center stage in the age of conscious consumers. In fact, according to a 2019 study from Cone/Porter Novelli, “71% of consumers say if they perceive that a brand is putting profits over people, they will lose trust in that brand.” By demonstrating a commitment to supporting local economies, businesses cultivate trust and loyalty among their customer base, advancing their brand image immensely.
Local sourcing can also offer a chance for businesses to be more *innovative* and *sustainable*. Local suppliers often possess unique product knowledge, ideas, and skills, giving a business the ability to produce one-of-a-kind products or services. Coupled with a reduction in carbon footprint due to reduced transporting distance, this innovation propels the brand as a forward-thinking leader in its industry.
These benefits can result in the creation of a **vibrant, resilient local economy**, where businesses support each other. From a community perspective, this strengthens the overall economic health, reduces unemployment, and subsequently improves the quality of life for residents. In fact, it’s not uncommon for companies that emphasize local sourcing to find themselves regarded as integral parts of their communities.
Local sourcing is worth the consideration for any business looking to elevate their operations.
Economic Benefits
*Local Sourcing: A Win-Win for Businesses and Communities* – a premise that is garnering significant attention. When we delve deeper into this concept, we quickly discern the immense potential it holds, particularly in relation to economic advantages.
Local sourcing, simply put, refers to the strategy where businesses procure goods or services from suppliers situated within their immediate vicinity. This approach brings numerous economic benefits for both businesses and the local community.
Shifting the lens towards the business spectrum, one of the most immediate advantages of local sourcing is the **potential cost savings**. By engaging with local suppliers, businesses can greatly reduce or completely eliminate hefty transportation costs, customs fees, and other overhead expenses typically associated with long-distance, overseas suppliers. These savings can bolster the bottom line, creating a more resilient and profitable business.
Moreover, local sourcing equips businesses with the ability to respond rapidly to demand changes. This heightened agility stems from shorter supply chains and closer proximity to suppliers. Reduced lead time not only streamlines the process but also ameliorates the risk of inventory holding costs or stockouts.
In addition, local supplier relationships often translate into better quality control, as businesses can regularly vet their products or services, ensuring consistent high standards. This enhanced quality control fosters greater customer satisfaction—an invaluable asset for any business.
On the community side, local sourcing can act as a catalyst for economic development and growth. When businesses engage with local suppliers, they inherently **invest in their local economy**. This can yield priceless dividends such as job creation, improved local business sustainability, and local economic diversification.
Furthermore, local sourcing can engender an intense sense of community by strengthening bonds between businesses, suppliers, and consumers. This can lead to a potent ‘buy local’ ethos—a movement that can both galvanize community spirit and loop in additional economic and socio-environmental benefits. The benefits associated with local sourcing are manifold. Businesses need to meticulously explore and strategize to tap into these rewarding opportunities.
Quality Control
Local sourcing represents an incredibly valuable opportunity for businesses in diverse industries. It’s a powerful approach that concurrently bolsters the local economy and helps to create a strong foundation for growth within the business itself. Perhaps one of the most remarkable features of local sourcing is the enhancement it provides in **quality control**.
Quality, an integral factor of any product or service, is a primary concern of businesses. By sourcing materials and services locally, businesses are better positioned to monitor and control the quality standards of their goods. They are given a more convenient chance whereby they can personally inspect the manufacturing process, review conditions, and assessing outcomes on a regular basis. This proximity enables businesses to maintain a watchful eye and **ensure the highest quality standards** are met consistently.
Furthermore, local sourcing permits a more profound understanding and hands-on oversight of the manufacturing process. This in-depth knowledge differentiates businesses from their competitors by giving a solid base of expertise in the production of their products and services.
Moreover, through local sourcing, businesses can scale back long supply chains, reducing the risk of error or damage during transportation. These shorter supply chains contribute to increased reliability, rapid response times, and capacity to promptly react to shifts in demand, only enhancing overall product quality and customer satisfaction.
Local suppliers also generally have a better comprehension of local businesses’ unique requirements and preferences. This collaboration can lead to **innovations in products and services**, enhancing quality through adaptation tailored to local market demands and customer expectations.
Supporting local suppliers not only helps to improve the quality of the goods and services that businesses offer but it also contributes directly to the local economy. It’s a splendid symbiosis: businesses get access to high-quality supplies, while local producers get steady customers and the opportunity to grow and develop. Consequently, local sourcing fosters relations between local businesses and the community, promoting solidarity and development.
Enhancing Brand Image
One of the key advantages of local sourcing, which some businesses may not initially consider, is its potential to significantly enhance a company’s public image. **When you source locally, you are not just making an economic decision – you are making a statement about the values and principles that drive your business**. This can set your brand apart in an increasingly crowded marketplace, where differentiation can often be the difference between success and failure.
Businesses that prioritize community engagement and sustainable practices are perceived as more responsible and trustworthy. **Local sourcing reflects a commitment to supporting neighboring businesses and promoting economic development within the community**. This kind of reciprocal support can generate positive publicity and build a strong network of local brand advocates. These relationships are not only advantageous from a business perspective but also instrumental in establishing a harmonious community environment.
Sourcing from a local supplier can also be seen as a commitment to reducing the company’s carbon footprint, as it cuts down long-distance transportation and significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. **Being perceived as an environmentally conscious entity, can drastically improve a company’s reputation and brand image**.
**In essence, our purchasing choices reflect our values.** Therefore, when a company decides to source locally, it sends a strong message about its ethical values and commitment to the wellbeing of its community. Indeed, it’s a commitment to a more sustainable, efficient, and equitable way of doing business. This narrative can be powerfully impactful, particularly at a time when consumers are increasingly discerning about the businesses they choose to support.
Moreover, local sourcing often means higher quality products since they don’t have to withstand long journeys, preserving their freshness and fullness of flavor. Therefore, it’s often an investment in higher product quality, which is always good for any brand image.
Finally, incorporating the story of local procurement into your branding can generate a positive emotional connection with your audience. It weaves a narrative about your business that goes beyond a simple transaction, cultivating a sense of connection that is grounded in shared values and mutual support. Associating your brand with **community development and environmental consciousness has the capacity to strengthen relationships with consumers, fostering trust and loyalty**.
Impact of Local Sourcing on Communities
When it comes to economic development, none can argue the significant role that local sourcing plays. It presents an impressive win-win venture for businesses and communities alike. As communities benefit from financial reassurance and improved socio-economic status, businesses enjoy a myriad of benefits including reduced costs, increased customer loyalty, and an enhanced brand reputation.
Local sourcing, or local procurement, essentially refers to the act of acquiring goods, services, and labor from local sources, particularly within the immediate community or region. This practice not only propels local economies but also underscores the persuasive power of “buying local”. From a social perspective, local sourcing fosters tighter community bonds, contributes to job creation, and curtails economic inequalities.
By deciding to locally source, businesses inherently invest in their own community. This decision undeniably has a spiraling effect, leading to increased local spending. One can draw this inference backed by the local multiplier effect which indicates that each dollar spent on local businesses generates twice as much income for the local economy when compared to shopping at a non-local equivalent. This preservation and enhancement of the local economy, in turn, benefits businesses as more solvent community members imply more prospective customers.
Furthermore, local sourcing also has the potential to curb some of the most pressing issues facing our society today, such as poverty and unemployment. By opting for local suppliers, businesses contribute to creating and maintaining jobs within the community. This is particularly pertinent in rural areas, where local sourcing could hold the key to revitalizing economies and undoing the damage caused by mass exodus trends.
Understanding the profound impact local sourcing can have, it’s important that businesses consider integrating this practice into their operations. Besides the immediate benefits for their bottom line, strategic local sourcing can strengthen the resilience of their supply chains, earn them goodwill within the community, and create opportunities for innovation through close supplier relationships.
Indeed, while it may seem counterintuitive to narrow one’s business field, the choice to focus inward could be exactly the decision that paves the way for wider and more long-lasting prosperity. Local sourcing can act as a catalyst, sparking change and growth across multiple sectors, ultimately forging a virtuous circle of shared success between businesses and their respective communities.
Local sourcing reaches far beyond its economic interpretive and taps into the collective objective of inclusive prosperity. Through this avenue, businesses have the power to contribute meaningfully to the face of their local communities while at the same time, securing their path towards sustainable growth and success.
Remember that by choosing local, we’re not just purchasing a product or a service; we’re investing in our communities, acknowledging the value of our local industries, and promoting a more equitable and sustainable economic future.
Supporting Local Economy
Local sourcing is not just a buzzword; it’s a practice that demonstrates wide-ranging benefits for both businesses and the communities in which they operate. **Supporting the Local Economy** can pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient economic landscape, forming a win-win situation for all involved.
First and foremost, by choosing local sourcing, businesses pump money directly into the local economy. Studies show that for every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $68 will stay in the community. That’s a stark contrast to the mere $43 that remains in the community when the same amount is spent at a non-local business.
Local sourcing also fosters job creation; another significant way in which it supports the local economy. **Local businesses are the largest employers nationally**. By purchasing goods and services from these businesses, other companies indirectly support the creation and preservation of jobs in their local areas.
Additionally, our money travels a shorter distance when we choose to buy locally sourced goods. This not only helps in **reducing the carbon footprint** but also ensures that the money spent is quickly reinjected into the economy. In contrast, money spent on goods sourced from distant locations tends to trickle out of the local area, leading to a drain on local wealth and potential economic growth.
Moreover, local businesses are also more likely to source their inputs locally, which creates a multiplier effect. This involves not just the direct impact of a company spending its revenue locally, but also the additional impact of local suppliers doing the same. Research indicates that each dollar spent at local businesses generates three times more economic activity in the local area compared to the same dollar spent at a non-local business.
**Supporting local sourcing isn’t merely a business decision, it’s a commitment to strengthen and give back to our communities**. For businesses striving to embrace sustainability and seeking to make a difference, local sourcing extends an opportunity to contribute to the community they operate in, ensuring their success is shared with the local economy.
Job Creation
The direct link between **local sourcing and job creation** cannot be overemphasized. Let’s look at the specific ways local sourcing positively impacts job creation within the community.
It’s important to first understand the concept of “local sourcing.” In basic terms, it means that a business, instead of relying on large, distant suppliers, opts to purchase goods and services from local vendors. It’s an approach that far-sighted businesses are increasingly adopting for a host of compelling reasons.
Not least among these reasons is job creation. When a business **chooses to source locally**, it inevitably catalyzes the growth of local industries. This growth, in turn, leads to the creation of new positions within these local establishments. The ripple effect of this action extends further into the community, as newly employed individuals now have increased spending power, fueling a cycle of economic activity that ensures a sustainable job market.
A Harvard Business School project titled “Clusters of Innovation” found that for every single job created by a new local business, up to five additional jobs could be created in that same area. This multiplication phenomenon is primarily driven by increased economic activity and the need for support services that arise as a direct result of local sourcing.
In addition, communities that boast robust local economies are **more resilient to job loss** during economic downturns. A study from Civic Economics found communities that invested in local procurement experienced stronger employment growth compared to those that did not. This shows that the job creation power of local sourcing is not simply immediate, but also provides long-term stability.
Local businesses sourcing locally does more than just boost community spirit, it also injects vitality into the local economy, creating a stronger, more stable job market. It forms a robust nexus of interconnected businesses and customers, which is particularly beneficial in areas suffering from economic strain or struggling with unemployment.
By investing in local sourcing, businesses become catalysts for job creation. This means they don’t just boost their own fortunes, they empower their communities as well — the very definition of a win-win situation.
Remember, local sourcing is an investment in future generations and the sustainability of a community. Businesses that make this move are investing directly in the place they call home, and reaping the benefits in the process. They’re not just businesses, they’re support systems for a thriving local job market.
Local sourcing is not simply a business strategy. It’s a commitment to community building and, ultimately, an investment in the future of your neighborhood, your city, your state. Through local sourcing, not only do businesses grow, but also, so does the local economy, job market, and community spirit.
**Job creation is one of the most crucial benefits of local sourcing**, enabling businesses to contribute meaningfully to their local communities.
Community Relationships and Engagement
Local sourcing is more than just a business strategy; it’s an innovation that fosters relationships and stimulates engagement within the community. Not only does it operate along economic lines, **but it also builds and strengthens social ties.** From farm to factory to storefront, local sourcing is tied to the lifeblood of our communities, fostering social resiliency and re-establishing a sense of identity and continuity.
In the past, businesses sought supply chain efficiency by extending their reach globally. Today, however, more and more businesses are realizing the benefits of a local supply chain. **Local sourcing creates opportunities for businesses to profoundly connect with the community.** It extends beyond transactional relations, allowing businesses to engage with the community in a manner that stimulates dialogue, engenders trust, and fosters a sense of unity.
By **investing in local suppliers** and supporting regional economies, businesses can significantly contribute to supporting jobs and enhancing local livelihoods. Moreover, working with local suppliers and producers is an opportunity to strengthen community relationships. Businesses become familiar faces, not distant corporations. Consumers, in return, appreciate this convivial proximity and are more likely to advocate for these local businesses.
Furthermore, local sourcing helps businesses integrate themselves into the fabric of community life. They can participate more closely in local issues and events, aligning their values with those of the community and crafting a shared vision for the future. In this regard, businesses become organically interconnected with the community, leading to a deeper level of engagement. They are not mere spectators but are players, making a tangible difference.
**Local sourcing also promotes engagement by fostering transparency and trust.** When businesses source locally, they allow consumers to see firsthand the production process and give a face to the people and places behind the products. This transparency naturally cultivates a heightened sense of trust and loyalty among consumers. They can literally see their purchase circulate within their community and contribute to its prosperity— a uniquely gratifying experience empowering them to make a direct, local impact.
Finally, local sourcing facilitates a sense of belonging. When businesses patronize local suppliers, they’re expressing a commitment to the same place that consumers also call home. As residents see their local businesses thrive, they too feel a sense of pride and unity. After all, doesn’t it feel special to say, “This came from our town”?
Taken together, all of these elements indicate that **local sourcing emerges as a sustainable approach**, not only economically but also socially. It shapes a sense of place, strengthens community ties, and stimulates engagement, making it a win-win strategy for businesses and communities alike.
Enhancing Social Capital
Local sourcing, at its core, is more than just a business strategy. Rather, it’s a social strategy that brings marked benefits for both businesses and communities alike. When businesses source their products or services locally, they not only create economic opportunities but also foster a sense of community. This act of incorporating local sourcing doesn’t just focus on economics, but it also significantly contributes to enhancing social capital.
Therein lies the secret of **local sourcing: its ability to increase social norms, trust, and networks that can improve the efficiency of society by facilitating coordinated actions.** This claim should not be taken lightly, as the evidence continues to mount in its favor. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Rural Studies found that small businesses that invest in local sourcing strategies tend to have stronger relationships with their communities.
One may ask, how does this work? When a business opts to source locally, it circulates money within the local economy, thereby creating employment and investment opportunities. This implicitly nurtures a relationship of interdependence and respect between businesses and the local community. Notably, this also results in a greater sense of social responsibility on the part of businesses, inevitably stimulating greater community trust in these institutions. This trust then manifests into durable networks and norms of reciprocity – the essence of social capital. **The strategic decision of local sourcing, thus, fosters a beneficial cycle of trust, collaborative effort, and economic growth, promoting a healthier, stronger society.**
Renowned sociologist Pierre Bourdieu once said, “The volume of social capital possessed by a person depends on the size of the network connections he can effectively mobilize.” In the context of a business incorporating local sourcing, the “network connections” aren’t just the local vendors or service providers—it is the entire community. Hence, as businesses grow these connections, they inherently enhance their social capital.
Investing in local sourcing is like investing in the community. It displays an act of giving back that can resonate deeply with local audiences and can help businesses to make meaningful, community-focused decisions. **In the end, the intertwined relationship between businesses and communities through local sourcing is a testament to the power of social capital.** That’s why it’s a true win-win situation, as no party is required to lose for another to gain.
Every locality is unique, and its potential lies in the hands of its businesses and residents powered by trust, cooperation, and mutual growth. Thus, local sourcing can be the catalyst that unleashes this potential, fostering a symbiotic relationship between businesses and communities, and enhancing social capital.
Building Trust
**Local sourcing** is a remarkably powerful strategy that not only helps businesses thrive but also benefits the communities they reside in. One of the principal aspects of local sourcing is its potential to foster unwavering trust within the community.
Believe it or not, the trust-building process starts quite simply. It is primarily through understanding the needs and wants of the local population. Businesses that choose to source their goods and services locally clearly demonstrate a keen understanding of **community needs**, which inherently gains them the trust of the populace.
It all begins with suppliers who are based within the locality avail their products or services to businesses. This direct connection between buyers and sellers eliminates the distance and bureaucratic red tape associated with international or distant suppliers. Since people usually trust those they can put a face to, engage with, and understand, **face-to-face interaction** between local businesses and suppliers levels up trust.
Making a deliberate decision to source locally signifies an appreciation for **local excellence**. This shared value becomes a common thread that binds businesses and communities tighter together. It sends a powerful message that the business owners see, appreciate, and support the skills and talent within their own community. **Consumers feel valued** and in return, they express their trust in the form of loyalty and consistent support to these businesses.
Moreover, **local sourcing generates local economic growth**. Every transaction facilitates the circulation of money within the community. The effect multiplies as these locally sourced goods or services are sold to consumers who, in turn, support other local businesses with the income they earn. This robust cycle creates an overarching sense of economic security, which is a vital element of trust.
Amid the era of mega-corporations and global supply chains, local sourcing offers a **refreshing transparency**. Consumers usually have a clear pathway to trace back the origins of locally sourced products or services, offering them a comforting knowledge about their purchases’ history. A business that embraces local sourcing is essentially opening up its supply chain for scrutiny and in doing so, it significantly boosts its credibility and trust levels.
The Path to Local Sourcing
With the ever-increasing awareness around sustainability, local sourcing has emerged as a revolutionary approach for businesses. It offers a dual advantage by not only boosting the local economy but also significantly reducing the environmental impacts associated with long-distance transportation. However, the transition towards local sourcing often presents unique challenges for businesses, which we will explore alongside some practical strategies for success.
**Local sourcing addresses a myriad of socio-economic and environmental objectives,** such as strengthening the local economy, increasing community resilience, fostering social inclusion, and minimizing the carbon footprint. According to a report by the Sustainable Food Trade Association, locally sourced materials, especially food items, are often fresher and possess a lower carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable ecosystem.
Now, let’s delve into some key steps towards making the transition to local sourcing:
**1. Identifying Local Suppliers:** The first step is to identify local suppliers who can meet your business’s requirements. This may necessitate research into local producers and suppliers, reaching out to them individually, and understanding their offerings. Online local directories can be a valuable starting point in the search for potential suppliers.
**2. Assessing Quality and Reliability:** It is crucial to ensure that the quality of locally sourced materials matches or exceeds that of currently used ones. Businesses should also consider reliability in terms of suppliers’ ability to meet their demands on an ongoing basis.
**3. Developing Relationships:** Foster working relationships with local suppliers, demonstrating your commitment to their business and the community at large. This could involve regular meetings, collaboration, or even partnership on shared initiatives.
**4. Reviewing Pricing and Negotiating Contracts:** Local sourcing does not always mean higher costs. It is often possible to negotiate competitive prices that are affordable for your business while ensuring a fair income for suppliers.
**5. Incorporating Local Sourcing in the Business Model:** It’s essential to consider not just the operational but also the strategic fit of local sourcing. This may involve aligning local sourcing with your company’s overall mission, vision, and branding.
A transition to local sourcing can be challenging. One of the most common challenges is the potential for increased costs. However, as per a study published in the International Journal of Production Economics, companies can offset extra costs through efficient supply chain management and by leveraging the marketing appeal of locally sourced products.
Another challenge lies in scalability, as local suppliers may not always be capable of fulfilling large orders. However, a strategic, phased approach can help businesses manage their requirements while gradually increasing their proportion of locally sourced materials.
FAQs on Local Sourcing
Over the last few years, local sourcing has become an integral part of the discussion around sustainable businesses. It is identified as a win-win situation for both the business entities and the communities involved. But, what exactly is local sourcing, and how can it benefit the businesses as well as their local communities? Let’s delve into some of the most commonly asked questions around this noteworthy practice.
**What is local sourcing?**
Local sourcing, also known as local procurement, is a strategic business practice where a company procures its goods or services from local suppliers or vendors. It’s a conscious step taken by businesses to support their local economy instead of outsourcing their requirements to national or international vendors.
**Why is local sourcing significant for businesses?**
Local sourcing provides businesses with a multitude of benefits. Firstly, it aids in reducing the overall transportation costs, as the distance between the supplier and the buyer is shorter. Reduction in delivery times is another advantage, which can remarkably decelerate the company’s production cycle time. Additionally, working with local vendors can result in progressive community relationships, enhance local economy, and improve brand image.
**What is the impact of local sourcing on communities?**
Local sourcing immensely benefits communities by encouraging local economic development. It helps in the creation of jobs, enhances the standard of living, and contributes to local wealth. Moreover, it aids in fostering community relationships by creating a stronger, interdependent network amongst community members.
**Can local sourcing increase competitiveness?**
Yes, local sourcing can indeed amplify the competitiveness of a business. Customers now are increasingly becoming conscious of the origins of their products or services. They are more inclined towards businesses that actively support their local communities. Hence, the practice of local sourcing can significantly enhance a company’s standing in the market.
**How can businesses implement local sourcing?**
Businesses can begin their journey towards local sourcing by conducting a thorough evaluation of their existing sourcing strategies. Identifying the potential local suppliers and engaging with them through discussions about products, services and requirements is the next step. It is essential for firms to make local sourcing an integral part of their organization’s strategic plan to ensure its effectiveness.
Local sourcing is an approach that can bring about **substantial positive changes** both for businesses and their neighboring communities. It’s a viable solution, serving as a bridge between profitability and sustainability. It’s not just about supporting local suppliers; it’s about playing a part in creating a stronger, more resilient community.