Why a thriving local economy is important, how to support Bristol's economy.
Objective 11 of the Bristol Eating Better Award outlines 4 actions you can do to support the local economy.
For more detailed guidance about the actions see the pdf guidance document (904 KB) .
Why a thriving local economy is important
Bristol benefits from a huge range of local producers, as well as a wealth of academic and vocational education and training providers.
When our local economy thrives, it:
- creates jobs for local people
- creates secure and sustainable livelihoods
- supports lots of local businesses
For food this includes producers, growers, farmers, manufacturers, wholesalers, shops, cafes and restaurants. They all trade and depend on each other. This process keeps money circulating within the city and develops a skills and knowledge exchange. It also contributes to the regeneration of our high streets and city centres, stimulating food tourism and improving the cultural offer of an area.
Research by Northumberland County Council Go to https://www.lm3online.com/about (opens new window) has shown that every £1 spent with a local supplier is worth £1.76 to the local economy, and only 36 pence if it is spent outside of the local area. That makes £1 spent locally worth almost 400% more to the local economy.
Bristol's ‘Where's It To?' project aims to celebrate local high streets, supporting independent businesses with their economic recovery following the pandemic. Find out more about the Where's It To project Go to https://www.wheresittobristol.com/about (opens new window).
The Real Living Wage
Paying employees a Real Living Wage Go to https://www.livingwage.org.uk/what-real-living-wage (opens new window) means they're:
- better paid and able to better withstand rising living costs
- likely to be more committed to your business
- more likely to stay working locally, keeping skills circulating in the local area
Hints and tips to support the local economy
- Display information to your customers about where the food you serve comes from so they can make informed choices.
- Source ingredients and products from local suppliers as much as possible.
- Champion local producers and UK suppliers to celebrate and promote the work they are doing and the service they provide.
- Employ people that live in the BS1 – BS16 postcode areas.
- Pay your employees the Real Living Wage.
Page last reviewed: 5 October 2022
