How you can make a real difference

FIRST-CLASS businesses and services on offer throughout the Westcountry will be championed in a WMN campaign designed to provide an economic boost in the midst of the credit crunch.

Think Local, which kicks off on Monday, is a relaunch of our Buy Local drive, which has helped change the way people shop for food since it began in December 2001 in the wake of foot and mouth disease.

This time around, the remit has been expanded to include all sectors, with the only parameters being that they must be based in the Westcountry.

It will still encompass food, but will also embrace tourism, manufacturing, trade, services and every other business.

John Sheaves, chief executive of Taste of the West, the partner organisation in the campaign, said: "Think Local absolutely hits the nail on the head, not least because over the last 20 years we have all been encouraged to think globally as a society – but that has now come unstuck, as we are seeing with the credit crunch and recession.

"The idea of encouraging everyone to think about how they can support their local environment and how they engage with consumers and their social connections is at the very heart of anti-globalisation."

The recession-busting Think Local drive is designed to rally support and boost the region's economy. The South West has so far reported a mixed picture in the midst of the worldwide economic gloom, but Think Local is aimed at helping those who have struggled to make a speedier recovery. It is designed to encourage residents in Devon and Cornwall to recognise the quality of products and services and the commitment of those who offer them – right on their doorsteps.

When the WMN launched its Buy Local campaign in the winter of 2001, the picture for food producers was bleak. Still reeling from the devastating impact of foot and mouth, they were facing an influx of ever cheaper food products from across the globe.

The WMN drive encouraged consumers to support businesses on their doorstep, and highlighted the quality of the products, which was often far superior to those from further afield.

It looked at the stories behind the end result, and focused on the dedication and commitment shown by often small-scale businesses.

Now, the concept of supporting producers based in the surrounding area is part of the mindset for most shoppers.

But Mr Sheaves said much more work was needed to encourage public bodies such as schools, councils and hospitals to follow suit.

Carol Wells, Cornwall spokesman and national vice-chairman for the Federation of Small Businesses, said the WMN campaign was "excellent news".

It was also in line with the organisation's own Keep Trade Local drive, she said, supporting local industries to help keep communities thriving.

"The more people that join in with this sort of campaign, the better," she said.