Recognition Scheme Launches Ahead of Festive Season
Stirling MP Alyn Smith has launched his ‘Alyn’s Local Heroes’ campaign in style ahead of the festive season, in a series of visits to some of the city centre’s favourite businesses.
The recognition scheme aims to highlight the extraordinary breadth of talent and diversity across Stirling’s business sectors: from food and drink, to tourism, to innovation and technology and many more. Any member of the public can nominate a Stirling business to become one of ‘Alyn’s Local Heroes’ via the MP’s website, and the scheme will continue for the next 12 months.
Awards will be announced in due course, as Mr Smith seeks to celebrate businesses rooted in their communities across the Stirling area. Stirling MP Alyn Smith said:
‘We truly do have a wide array of brilliant local businesses in all areas of Stirling – they’re the bread and butter that our high streets and city centre are built on. Times are exceedingly tough for everyone at the moment, particularly as skyrocketing energy bills, increasing input costs and economic woes weigh heavily on household spending and business investment.
‘But Stirling does have talent in abundance, an intense entrepreneurial spirit, and community solidarity in spades. By spending the pounds in our pocket locally, we can support the businesses who took a chance on Stirling, and help enhance our neighbourhoods as fantastic places to live, work, study and visit.’
Texy Vera, owner of Vera Artisan Bakery, said:
‘Times have been tough on the high street, but we’ve recently expanded our operations to include a second premises on King Street, doubled our staff numbers and are seeing strong sales of our delicious products. Stirling has a strong community spirit – I’m very happy to receive our nomination to be one of Alyn’s Local Heroes, as someone fighting in your corner makes all the difference.’
Paul Jenkins, Director of Made in Stirling said:
‘The future of our high streets and city centre depend on building and supporting exciting and dynamic businesses and organisations. Visitors want to feel delighted, and it’s up to everyone – public, private and third-sector partners – to work in tandem to deliver a more experience-based offer. I’d like to thank Alyn for his support of the shop over the years, and hope more members of the public nominate their own favourite business for well-deserved recognition.’
Mark Ritchie, owner of Ginger Roots, said:
I think that people are beginning to think harder about where they choose to spend their money and what they spend it on. There is a need for Stirling to have a high street that offers independent small businesses, not just to rebuild community but because it all fits with the bigger issues of cost of living and climate challenge. Since starting the business we have had a lot of local support from people who only buy what they need and who appreciate that Ginger Roots is working with local producers and that we need to get back to enjoying the benefits of seasonal produce.
The City really can only become a community driven centre if independent business is given the correct support. The recognition scheme has been great to highlight the importance of independent retail for Stirling and Alyn has been really supportive to us from the get go. I hope from this, that other elected members and decision makers for Stirling will see the value of supporting independent small business and working together to make our city a place where independent business can thrive.
Notes:
Pictured is Alyn with the respective business owner. Those in the Made in Stirling photo are (from left): Joe Hall, Director Creative Stirling CIC, Paul Jenkins, Director of Made in Stirling, Made in Stirling Curator Joanna McCulloch and Stirling MP Alyn Smith.