By Skye Dekker

It’s a commonly held generalisation that young people make more purchases online than older generations. So we are very proud to present this article written by one of the youngest members of our team in support of local retailers and businesses. Over to you Skye ...

Our local businesses need YOUR support! With technology improving and devices at your fingertips it can be so easy to click that button for an order to be delivered to your doorstep. This has an impact on locally owned businesses.

The challenges faced by the retail industry are often in the news, from the pressure of competing with online stores to the cost of paying penalty rates to staff. What can we do to support our local businesses? What difference does it make?

Benefits of shopping locally

When you support local business owners you will more than likely become a valued customer and you’ll be treated with personal service. Owners of local businesses tend to put a great deal of time into getting to know their customers personally and tailoring their service to suit their customers

As David Boyle from the New Economics Foundation in London, UK said, “money is like blood – it needs to circulate around the local economy if it is going to keep it alive.”

When money is spent online or at large stores that aren’t locally owned, the money you are spending leaves town, often it leaves the country.

Shopping at a local business means that as a customer you are supporting a local family. That money is then used to feed and support their family. It might not seem like much when you are purchasing an item but in the greater scheme of things, you're helping our next generation.

Think before you click

Next time you decide to purchase a product, whether it be for your weekly groceries, clothing or home improvements, think about where the money is going to end up. Can the same products be found at the local supermarket, the farmers’ market or at a local homewares store? Before clicking the button to have something delivered from a store over east or overseas, take the time to drive that three minutes to the shops to see if the item is already there. Don’t be afraid to speak to business owners about the possibility of ordering in a product.

Perhaps in the future, you or a family member might think about starting up your own business. Do you want to be supported?

Buy Albany BUY LOCAL

Lincolns are loyal supporters of the Buy Albany BUY LOCAL movement. We encourage everyone to get behind this. Check out their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AlbanyBuyLocal/

Many of our clients are operating local businesses and we pride ourselves in promoting their services.

We also put our money where our mouth is … yes we buy local too. Here’s a flavour of what we buy locally from our clients - catering, electrical work, birthday cakes, printers and printer maintenance, stationery, office supplies, water for our water cooler, indoor plant hire, office handyman work, wine and even flu vaccinations for our team.

If you are a business owner, think about how you can utilise local businesses in your own business.

Launch of our IT Service

We are excited to announce the launch of a new Lincolns service, providing IT service and support to businesses by Rodney Russell, our own IT support specialist.

Rod has over 10 years’ experience in the IT industry and has extensive knowledge on networks, hardware, IT infrastructure and security. Over his career Rod has provided consulting services to a variety of organisations, enabling them to optimise their technology.

Rod is now available to provide IT support services to your business.

As part of this service, we offer Lincolns clients a free review of your current IT system to identify any specific areas that require improvement.

Please call us on 9841 1200 if you would like to talk to us about your IT.

Succession Planning Seminars in the Wheatbelt

We will be travelling back to the Wheatbelt in September to hold a free seminar on how to do a simple farm succession plan. The seminar will also include sessions on superannuation and life insurance and an update on single touch payroll.

Locations, dates and booking information:

Goomalling | Wednesday 4 September at 9.30am
Dalwallinu | Thursday 5 September at 9.30am
Wyalkatchem | Friday 6 September at 9.30am

Buy local