Bleating on about the local economy
DILYS THE BLACK SHEEP ON A MISSION TO PROMOTE KEEPING IT REGIONAL
OVER the last few weeks Arloesi Gwynedd Wledig have been helping Dilys the black sheep travel around local businesses in Gwynedd.
She started her journey at Glosters in Porthmadog and since then has been to visit many different local businesses. Every business nominates another local business that they use, which shows followers on social media that the money they spend in a local business stays local. There are many reasons why shopping locally is important, here’s a look at some of the best… It helps the local economy
Research has shown that for every £1 spent in a small to medium business, 63p stays in the local economy. Compare that with the fact that only 40p stays when you go to a large business, and we start to see how our shopping habits can really make a difference. Finding unique pieces Many local businesses stock unique products which have
been made locally and aren’t available elsewhere. While Dilys was visiting Siop Iard in Caernarfon, Angela Evans – a jeweller and one of the shop’s owners – explained: “People like one off-pieces which are unique to them. As we’re a small business we have the capacity to create pieces which are completely personal if that’s what the customer wants.” It’s the ethical choice
Are you worried about your eco-credentials? When you buy food out of season you’re certainly not doing anything to help it. The strawberries you bought from the supermarket in January will have racked up quite a few air miles and will be covered in layers of plastic. On the other hand, the apple you bought from your local green grocer probably hasn’t travelled quite as far. As well as supporting your local farmer, your food will probably have much more nutrients and much less packaging. ● Supporting the Welsh language
By going to a local business who employ Welsh speakers you’ll be given the opportunity to use the language if you wish. Imagine going to a hair salon, where it’s vital you convey exactly what you want, but you both misunderstand each other...
Whilst Dilys was visiting Igam Ogam, a hair salon in Criccieth, one of the owners, Anwen Jones, explained: “The staff at Igam Ogam speak Welsh and we’re very proud of that. It’s very important that our customers can explain what they want in the language they’re most comfortable in. This ensures our customers are happy with their hair and come back to us time after time.” It helps the community
Many local businesses host events, from a knitting group to a literature fair, but if the businesses aren’t supported these events will disappear too.
Whilst Dilys was visiting Palas Print, a book shop in Caernarfon, she enjoyed a very interesting event. The owner, Eirian
James, explains: “We host a range of different events here at Palas Print throughout the year. The latest was a chat with an author about her new novel and music from a popular local artist. Nights like these give people a chance to get together and adds to the exciting community events in Caernarfon.” Try before you buy
There’s no denying you can get things cheaper at the supermarket, they can take advantage of economies of scale remember! But what if you don’t like what you bought, turns out it was a waste of money even it was on offer! Many small businesses will let you sample a product before you buy.
Dilys enjoyed her time visiting Gwin Llyn Wines, a wine shop in Pwllheli, very much, partly due to the fact they believe it’s important customers try the products first. Dean Pritchard, the shop owner, explained: “It makes a huge difference trying something before you buy. It’s very unlikely you’ll get the opportunity to pop open a bottle of wine in the supermarket aisle and impossible if buying online. In our experience customers really appreciate the opportunity to make sure they’re buying something they like and, therefore, come back to us time and time again to buy firm favourites or to try something new.”
Keep an eye out for Dilys at your local business and follow her travels online by following the hashtag #DilynDilys.
If you would like to take part in the project contact Rhian on 01766 514057 or rhian@ arloesigwyneddwledig.com
The project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.
It’s also part funded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and Gwynedd Council