CITY leaders have today backed a new shop local campaign which has been launched in a bid to boost Glasgow's economy post lockdown.

Glasgow Loves Local Business is an initiative backed by this newspaper to help independent stores and services across this city get back on their feet.

We are calling on our readers to support local businesses while offering independent stores a free listing in our special Glasgow Loves Local Business supplement.

READ MORE: Glasgow Times pledges to support local business with FREE listings - here is how you can get involved

The initiative has been created to help the many Glasgow businesses who were forced to close in March when the country went into lockdown.

With normal revenue streams disrupted thanks to necessary restrictions placed by the Government, many city firms have been left fighting for survival.

Now as the economy starts to return to business, this newspaper wants to shine the spotlight on those businesses in a bid to get customers back in the door. 

READ MORE: Glasgow Times pledges to support local business with FREE listings - here is how you can get involved

Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council and chair woman of Glasgow’s economic recovery group, said: “During these unprecedented times, it is important that we support each other - and, by backing Glasgow’s businesses, we can all play our part in the city’s economic recovery and renewal.

“By supporting local independent businesses, this campaign can help project jobs and put Glasgow in a far better position to recover from the pandemic.”

Councillor Kim Long of the Glasgow Greens, added: “While lockdown was essential to prevent the spread of coronavirus, it has caused huge difficulties for small businesses in the city. As measures are eased and local businesses begin to reopen I’d urge everyone to support this excellent Glasgow Times campaign by supporting the small local businesses in your area.”

READ MORE: Glasgow Times pledges to support local business with FREE listings - here is how you can get involved

Depute Leader of the council, councillor David McDonald said he hopes the campaign will encourage people to get out and explore their local area to support businesses.

He added:“Glasgow has long been a shoppers paradise, with stores catering for all tastes and budgets. Local independent businesses help sustain neighbourhood high streets and we know that when money is spent in local independent shops that money stays local and contributes to the local economy and supports jobs. hope everyone will take the chance to explore their neighbourhood stores and commit to shopping local.”

Our campaign will commit to showcasing the amazing stories of Glasgow business thriving or surviving through this unprecedented time.

Over the coming weeks, we will share their stories in a bid to raise awareness of the businesses to give ordinary Glaswegians a chance to support them.

We want to hear from you whether you are a corner shop providing a valuable service in your Glasgow scheme or a small cafe delivering takeaway food in your neighbourhood.

North East SNP councillor Mandy Morgan and other city leaders have also backed the campaign recognising how important these businesses are to Glasgow's economy.

Councillor Morgan said: “The North East ward has two great shopping areas with some of your favourite high street brands. I know people will be looking forward to getting back out to the shops and this will give the economy a kick start to help the recovery of the economy.

“Shopping local in places like the Lochs shopping centre and Glasgow Fort will help save businesses and jobs within the local area.”

Leader of the Glasgow Conservative group, councillor Thomas Kerr, added: “Glasgow’s world class retail and hospitality sector attracts significant inward investment into the city, supports many thousands of jobs, and is a major part of our appeal to visitors from across the globe.

“The reopening of our high streets is an important step forward towards revitalising our economy and returning to some sort of normality.

“Over the coming months I look forward to continuing to support the fantastic shops, cafés and restaurants in the East End of Glasgow where I’m lucky to live and represent and I’d encourage all Glaswegians to do likewise and give a little back to your own local communities.”

Labour councillor Soryia Siddique continued: “As lockdown eases I am enjoying visiting my favourite and local businesses. Local businesses are at the heart of the local community and economy.

“They were also paramount to ensuring we were able to rely on vital items during the peak of lockdown. I am looking forward to continuing my support for them locally and as an elected member.”