The Party of Wales Arfon Standing up for the people of Arfon

The statistics on buying local have been called “striking”

Siân Gwenllian, the Arfon constituency’s Member of the Senedd has urged locals to “buy local this Christmas.”

Siân Gwenllian MS was Gwynedd's Small Business Champion during her time as a county councillor, and she has urged locals to support local-run business this Christmas, citing the “countless” economic and environmental benefits of buying local.

The Member of the Senedd said:

“Shopping local isn’t just important in safeguarding the viability of our local shopping streets, but it’s also the wise thing to do economically and environmentally. 

“Endless studies show that people turned to buying local during the pandemic.

“If local shops and businesses benefited from a permanent change to our shopping habits after Covid-19, we would all benefit.

“The statistics are striking.

“For every £1 spent in independent businesses, 63p stays in the local economy. In our towns, villages and cities.

“Having a thriving entrepreneurial spirit in our local areas creates jobs and boosts local communities. Locally-run businesses are much more likely to appreciate our custom, and therefore often have a better, more personal shopping experience.

“It also means that we do our bit to keep the distinctive, independent communities that are characteristic of Arfon. And here in Gwynedd we are spoilt for choice.

“Supporting local businesses is also environmentally savvy. We have a responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint, and reduce our food miles, buying from local producers rather than buying products that have travelled thousands of miles before reaching the shelves.”

Siân Gwenllian MS makes the comments in light of her party ratifying a Co-operation Agreement between Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Government, a move that, according to Siân Gwenllian, is “good news for local, Welsh economies.”

“The Agreement, supported by 94% of Plaid Cymru members in our autumn conference has clear commitments to local procurement, both in our progressive free school meals and community food policies.

“Additionally, the Agreement’s commitment to exploring targets to increase Welsh public sector procurement from the current 52% and the inclusion of Plaid Cymru’s Arfor scheme to promote local entrepreneurship is good news for local, Welsh economies.”