Islanders urged to buy local food and services

Saturday 7th June 2008, 9:55AM BST.

ISLANDERS have been urged to ‘buy local’ when they shop in future, as it is good for the environment and the economy.

In the States this week, Economic Development Minister Philip Ozouf made the plea when answering questions about the plight of fishermen and growers affected by rising fuel prices.

Meanwhile, a businessman is launching a campaign to extend the local buying campaign to include the commissioning of services as well as produce.

Rod Bryans, who is a founder of the Breakfast Club, has devised the ‘Think Twice – Buy Local’ campaign.

He said that the States and local businesses should try to find out if the expertise exists in Jersey for a project to be undertaken before thinking of commissioning from overseas.

1
Mark

June 7, 2008 at 12:14 pm

if i can find an item at the same quality and cheaper price from abroad i will buy it over the internet. Why should the public pay 3% and UK price inc VAT when you can go online and buy at VAT free and GST free prices?
If prices keep rising as they are then you can not blame the public for shopping around for the best deal.
Every penny counts…….

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2
Paul

June 7, 2008 at 7:30 pm

Why support local business when it costs more money than buying off island, I have bought three items off island this year a video camera, mobile fone and food fryer,all vat free, gst free and post free, total saving £394-72, why would I buy locally !!!!

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3
Richard

June 8, 2008 at 9:27 pm

Both the comments below (Mark & Paul) as both correct. Just to add, could the gentleman who is making this ‘comment’ please tell me what is local food? Nearly everything is imported

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4
DK

June 9, 2008 at 2:11 pm

So, lets get this right. Local shops lift prices by approx 20 per cent alongside the introduction of GST in an exercise of blatant profiteering – this is coupled with many prices previously being the same as the UK or more due to (ahem) “shipping charges” and now they want us to shop locally as it good for the balance sheet, sorry local economy.
How about a new campaign – “Think Twice – Use Amazon”.

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5
Blonde

June 9, 2008 at 9:20 pm

My advice is don’t buy anything local it’s all to expensive, that’s goods or services, shop around on the Internet.

I wanted some work done on a website and got quotes from Jersey businesses with the average quote being £2,300. I then went on a site called getafreelancer and got the work done for $160.

I say shop around and agree with the other postings

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