The fundamental benefits of sourcing and buying locally.
In a world that often seems dominated by huge conglomerates and online shopping giants, there’s a quiet revolution happening at the grassroots level – the resurgence of buying locally. Consumers play a pivotal role in shaping the economic and social fabric of their communities. And it is not just pasties, mead and knitwear that we are sourcing locally. We are also buying heavy goods and services, like metal work and CNC wood cutting. Of course, it is not always possible to buy in your own high-street. And online searches often ignore geotagging – even though they shouldn’t and so a search for “metal fabricators in North Devon” or “Local CNC cut wood supplier” can often take you halfway (or even further!) up the country. Not helpful when you are trying to be locally minded! But when you can source locally, there are benefits which can have a far-reaching and positive impact on our communities.
Supporting local economies
When you choose to buy from local businesses, you’re injecting money directly into your community. Local businesses are often more inclined to reinvest financially in the local economy, creating a cycle of support that fosters community growth and prosperity. This financial circulation contributes to job creation and a thriving local job market. At Dymond we are also investing directly in our people through apprentice schemes, our staff will be the leaders and workforce of our community in years to come, and investments in our company such as new equipment and processed will help to ensure that there will be local jobs in the future too.
Environmental impact
Buying locally is also a win for the environment. Locally manufactured products typically have a smaller carbon footprint because they don’t have to travel long distances to reach you. This reduction in transportation translates to lower emissions, helping to combat climate change and reduce the overall environmental impact of your purchases.
Building relationships
One of the most significant benefits of buying locally is the opportunity to build genuine relationships with business owners and staff. Local businesses thrive on strong connections with their customers. These relationships go beyond transactions; fostering a sense of trust and loyalty that can be absent in larger, more impersonal retail environments where consumers have no choice but to “press 1”, or hold for ever on the phone, because a face-to-face meeting, or even a human on a phone call is just not an option.
Ensuring product quality
Local businesses take pride in their work. At Dymond our reputation is closely tied to the quality of our products and services. By choosing to buy locally, you can often expect higher-quality goods and services. This is because local businesses are invested in maintaining a positive reputation within their community.
Preserving local character
North Devon is a beautiful part of the country, with miles of coastline to explore and access to fantastic moorland. But without local reliable employment it risks becoming dotted with dormitory towns, and so supporting local businesses and establishments will help to preserve the distinctiveness of this community keeping it a working, living-breathing county!
In a world of fast-paced globalisation, the act of buying locally is a powerful statement in favour of community, and sustainability. As consumers, we hold the key to shaping the future of our neighbourhoods. Choosing to buy locally is not just a purchase; it’s investing in the wellbeing of the place we call home. So, let’s embrace the benefits of buying locally and take a step towards a more connected, sustainable, and flourishing community. And remember to check where the internet takes you when you search for “Local CNC cut wood supplier”! Is it Devon or Dumfriesshire?
