Amidst the celebrations and festivities, December often offers an opportunity for us to reflect on the year that has been. This will be the second Christmas spent under the shadow of a global pandemic which has fundamentally impacted our society, work and economy.
As seen in Llanelli, many of our small businesses have been amongst those hardest hit by Covid. Recent research by the Welsh Audit Office shows that one in every seven shops on Welsh high streets are now empty – with the pandemic’s shadow, and a continued growth in online shopping (up a massive 30% in value over the past 12 months alone), changing our basic shopping habits.
As we get caught up in the annual furore of buying gifts and produce to celebrate Christmas, it’s an opportunity for us all to support those local businesses in our community who have faced particular hardship over the past 20 months.
Research shows that every adult in the UK should spend just £5 per week in their local shops and businesses, rather than online or at multinationals.
We could secure an additional £13.5 billion going back into our towns and communities – securing greater employment opportunities and a boost for our local economy.
As well as our own individual responsibility to aid our local economy, over recent months I’ve also been pressing the Welsh Government and public bodies to enhance their support for our communities through strengthening local procurement.
In 2015, only around half of the Welsh Public Sector’s expenditure on food and drink was won by Welsh based suppliers.
If our hospitals, schools and public bodies could only shift that percentage upwards marginally, our local businesses and communities could see significant gains – with recent research by the New Economic Foundation demonstrating that for every additional £1 invested in local procurement it delivers an added value of £3 in social, economic and environmental benefits.
Such a small, sensible shift – scaled to the Welsh Government’s procurement budget of £6.3 billion – could help regenerate and support many businesses and town centres. Plaid Cymru’s target of increasing the level of public sector procurement from 52% to 75% could help create an estimated 46,000 additional jobs across Wales.
So whether we’re out panic buying, or collecting the turkey and trimmings, from public bodies to our own pockets – it’s worth ensuring we all look to spend a little more locally to help support our communities and high streets during this difficult time.
May I take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!
