Small Businesses Make a Big Difference
Graeme is urging people across Angus to shop local this Winter, as he celebrates Small Business Saturday with Smithies Deli & Gin Emporium.
Established in 2000, Arbroath based Smithies is a family run coffee shop, delicatessen, cheesemonger & drinks emporium. It is the result of the long-held passion of Patti Smith and her two daughters, Jill and Beth.
Graeme has stressed that ‘there has never been a more important time to shop local whenever you can’ as he highlights the pressures facing small businesses trying to recover from the pandemic, tackle the challenges of Brexit and meet the cost-of-living pressures. He has said that ‘shopping locally is a simple way for individuals to play a part in supporting their local businesses and economies.’
When the pandemic hit and business had to close, Smithies revised their strategy offering home deliveries of deli platters and gin hampers. In May, Patti bought the building next door as the firm started outgrowing its deli and eatery shop. She has now expanded the eatery side of the business in larger premises.
Graeme visited Smithies Deli & Gin Emporium in Arbroath where he spoke with Beth Smith about some of the challenges currently facing small businesses.
– Graeme
Shopping locally is a simple way for individuals to play a part in supporting their local businesses and economies – these businesses provide jobs in Angus and play a significant role in making our community so vibrant.
Truth be told, there has never been a more important time to shop local whenever you can as businesses are still recovering from the pandemic and facing the pressures of the rising bills we are all seeing.
Smithies is a fantastic example of a local business that has maintained an agile approach to any challenges it has faced over the last two decades and it was great to discuss the businesses approach in more detail with Patti and the team.
Small, local businesses make a big difference to our communities and local economy, so I encourage everyone to get involved this Small Business Saturday and the future.
