Cooking up a treat as potential multi million pound boost for East Renfrewshire economy revealed
Businesses in East Renfrewshire are backing a fresh drive that could inject £5m-a-year more into the region's economy.
Article Source: Scotland Loves Local
Last Updated: 25 August 2025 10:48
Figures revealed as part of Scotland Loves Local Week (August 23-30) show that the multi-million pound spending boost could be created by every resident spending just £1-a-week more with local enterprises.
The windfall and call to action has been highlighted as a week of activity - supported by Business Improvement Districts in Clarkston, Barrhead and Giffnock - highlights that People Make Places.
Ashraf’s Indian Kitchen in Clarkston is among those championing the rallying cry for residents to support the region’s businesses and the people who are part of them.
Tenna Ashraf, from the family Busby Road restaurant which is part of I Love Clarkston, said: “My dad, Ashraf, has been in business for decades and I’ve seen how much time and love he pours into his work.
“Shopping locally strengthens the community. I get overwhelmed by the support we get as part of I Love Clarkston. People are so attached to their communities.
“It’s so important to support local businesses. It’s the team behind it. Ours is a family endeavour and we’re so proud to stand beside our dad on it. For us, because it’s a legacy, we want to curate experiences for people who come into our restaurant. It’s an extension of our family.”
In Giffnock, Kelly Duffy, who manages Louise Shafar Designer Jeweller, part of Giffnock Village BID, said: “Local support is massively important for us.
“People get something bespoke here. It doesn't have to be something expensive, but we provide a bespoke service. We're approachable and have a much bigger selection than a lot of the chain stores, with something for all budgets. We shop locally ourselves as well.”
Barrhead Properties, part of All About Barrhead, is another of the businesses backing calls for people to choose local.
Estate agent Shirley McClune, who works for the firm, said: “We've been here for 35 years and have built real trust. The local insight and knowledge that businesses like ours provide is irreplaceable.”
The call to think local first is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) - the organisation behind Scotland Loves Local - with support from the Scottish Government.
STP has calculated that, if every person in Scotland were to spend just £1 more per week with local businesses in their area, an additional £282.7m would be generated annually.
In neighbouring Renfrewshire, the benefit that could come from residents spending £1-a-week more with the region’s businesses totals £9.5m annually.
STP Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie said: “The reality is that £5m is the tip of the iceberg of what can be achieved in East Renfrewshire. If £1 more every week can make a transformational impact to the people who make our places, just imagine what is truly possible by choosing local even more.
“Money stays local for longer when you spend with local businesses.The multiplier effect is massive. These businesses spend with other businesses, who employ other local people, who then spend with other local businesses. Every penny spent is an investment in the future of your area.
“The jobs and livelihoods of your neighbours, friends and family depend on you doing so.”
STP champions the critical part that towns and local neighbourhoods play in creating a better Scotland and the need to invest in them.
Scotland Loves Local is the drive for people to build stronger, more sustainable futures for their community by supporting the businesses in their area.
Throughout Scotland Loves Local Week, politicians will be visiting businesses across the region to celebrate the work that they do.
More information getting involved is available at www.lovelocal.scot
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