Forbes: Let’s not talk about supporting local, let’s do it

"I implore councils to take a look at their front doorstep when looking to engage with business to award contracts or have a consultant share their knowledge."

• Carla Forbes is a director at Invercargill-based marketing company Naked Creative and is a former president of the Southland Business Chamber.

Opinion: I have watched with pride the Just Transition work, and the Beyond 2025 long-term plan be released to the public.

This enormous region-wide collaboration really sets the tone for future success for Southland Murihiku. Collaboration and support for regional prosperity must go beyond economic development agencies.

Our individual businesses and importantly our councils need to get on board and support local.

I was surprised recently to be privy to a group of businesses who were passing comment on the extraordinary number of contracts awarded to out-of-town suppliers by our councils.

I felt compelled to jot down my thoughts.

In an increasingly interconnected world, where global economies thrive on cross-border trade it is crucial not to overlook the importance of supporting local industry and the impact that makes.

Among the key players in local economic development are our councils, playing a pivotal role in shaping and sustaining the communities they serve.

We (Naked Creative) take pride in bringing work South, we operate as an engine room, servicing nationwide and our business has incredible working relationship with our local councils. 

But it would seem there are a lot of businesses being overlooked - There are compelling reasons, aside from the obvious economic gains to support local industry, especially our councils.

They influence many decisions on the ground, so how they operate and the contracts they award makes a clear statement to industry and the business community.

Supporting local serves to preserve our unique local identities.

Each town, city, or region has its own distinct culture, history, and character. Local industry plays a significant role in maintaining and nurturing these unique attributes, we have a story to tell, and our industries help tell it.

By supporting local industry, we ensure that our communities retain their authenticity and charm, making them more appealing to residents and visitors alike.

Supporting local industry, enhances economic resilience at both the local and national levels. A diverse range of local businesses contributes to a healthy and robust economy.

By investing in local industries, we can generate job opportunities, stimulate entrepreneurship, and reduce dependency on external markets. This strengthens the local economy, making it more resistant to external shocks and economic downturns.

It is a strategic move for councils too. It has a circular economy; as councils support local industry so too does the community support our local councils.  It really is a strategic decision for long-term economic stability.

Local councils are the backbone of community development and cohesion. They provide essential services that contribute to the overall well-being of residents.

Many local industries prioritise community engagement and give back to the areas in which they operate to support their community. They sponsor local events, employ local residents, and actively participate in community initiatives.

This involvement fosters a sense of belonging, encourages civic pride, and strengthens social bonds among community members. By supporting local industries, we build stronger, more connected communities that are equipped to tackle challenges collectively.

In the end, the tone for our community is in part set by our councils, we all agree supporting local is imperative not only for our economy but to support our liveability and our communities.

It is a strategic move for the growth of our region. I implore councils to take a look at their front doorstep when looking to engage with business to award contracts or have a consultant share their knowledge.  Let’s not talk about supporting local – let’s do it.