03 Sep 2024
Glasgow businesses have benefitted from more than £8m spending via a gift card programme.
Glasgow City Council's initiative has initiated the use of Scotland Loves Local Glasgow Gift Card across more than 950 city businesses, aiming to circulate money within the local economy.
Nearly £7.6m of the £8.2m spent was achieved by aiding 85,000 low-income households at the peak of the cost of living crisis two years ago.
The Council rolled out the gift card to provide financial relief to these families, only allowing it to be used with city businesses.
Glasgow City Council has additionally pledged its commitment to local businesses by signing the Scotland Loves Local Pledge.
Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “The Loves Local scheme has been a great success in Glasgow, with around 1,000 city businesses and 80,000 households directly benefiting over the last couple of years.
“Buying local helps support Glasgow’s businesses, creating and protecting jobs – so using the Loves Local cards is great for the city’s economy.”
Kimberley Guthrie, chief officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP): “The success of the Scotland Loves Local Glasgow Gift Card is a powerful demonstration of the positive impact on local jobs and the economy from choosing local.
“Not only has it been used to help people and businesses when they needed that most, but it has laid the foundations of further success for the city.
“We are delighted to have worked with Glasgow City Council to launch the gift card programme and to have its continued support in encouraging everyone to choose local.”
