Branding is all important in this ‘consumer age’. This is as important to a small local business as it is to a large, multi-national conglomerate.
At Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Economy, Environment and Infrastructure Committee (12th September) Members will hear a proposal from the Council’s trading Standard’s Team to develop a Made in Dumfries and Galloway brand which will help promote local businesses and local products.
The scheme, which will be delivered by Trading Standards, is aimed at supporting our unique local creative economy and heritage, food and drink and local produce, including meat and fish. It will give local producers the opportunity to work closely with the regulator for the first time, learning how to comply with complex laws, rather than the first point of contact being through inspection for non-compliance. As the origins of the goods would be a necessary part of the exercise, this would give Trading Standards the opportunity to verify that they are produced in our region; help businesses protect and promote their reputation by utilising the ‘Made in Dumfries and Galloway’ logo; and boost consumer confidence to buy locally.
Retailers would also be able to use the brand and logo as a marketing tool to promote the fact that they stock Dumfries and Galloway made goods. Small businesses with a limited budget will benefit from being part in the overall identity and will be able to network with others who have also achieved this status. New businesses will also be able to start off with good advice, as well as a ready made website, as Trading Standards will be able to have involvement from the beginning, alongside Business Gateway, leading them on their journey.
Chair of EEI Committee, Councillor Archie Dryburgh commented:
‘I fully support this concept as part of our roll out of the naturally D&G brand that we have in council, one which we have won national awards for, anything we can do to highlight our area for the excellent providers that we have can only help our priority of improving the economic viability of Dumfries and Galloway. I would ask local providers to get involved and show our and their excellent produce across the rest of the uk and beyond’
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