Buddies are doing their bit to shop local

A Paisley gift shop owner says a spike in town centre living is playing a key part in boosting business.

- EXPRESS REPORTER

Laura Bell, of IVAD Gifts, believes the message to choose local is striking strongly with people who enjoy having shops and services on their doorstep.

The businesswoman highlighted the positive change five years on from helping to launch a high-profile coronavirus business recovery campaign.

Laura was among a number of Paisley First Business Improvement District (BID) members who were the early faces of Scotland Loves Local.

As the nation went into lockdown in 2020, she had just completed a major refurbishment of her Gauze Street store, which she did not get to relaunch as planned.

She was among those throughout the region who were quick to adapt what they do to operate within the rules, including adding local deliveries to the services offered, something she has continued to do in the years since.

And, if there is a positive to have come from the pandemic, she believes it was the reawakening it gave people about the wealth of local businesses and the need to get behind them.