Global supply chains have been under constant stress, but the solution for many organisations might be sitting right on their doorstep.
From shipping delays to geopolitical shocks, organisations everywhere have experienced the knock-on effects of relying heavily on distant suppliers.
One lesson many businesses are rediscovering: local sourcing is just as much about community pride as it is about resilience.
When organisations build stronger local supply networks, a few things tend to happen:
- Reduced disruption risk – shorter, more transparent supply chains mean fewer points of failure and faster response when issues arise.
- Stronger regional economies – money spent locally circulates within the community, supporting jobs, skills and innovation.
- Better collaboration – proximity encourages partnerships, knowledge sharing and quicker problem-solving.
- Lower environmental impact – fewer transport miles and closer supplier relationships often lead to more sustainable practices.
In Gloucestershire, there are some great examples of initiatives supporting this shift.
Together Gloucestershire for B2B resilience
Platforms like Together Gloucestershire are helping local SMEs connect with major buyers in the county, making it easier for organisations to source B2B services locally and build more ethical, resilient supply chains. The initiative aims to link local suppliers with public and private sector procurement teams while strengthening the county’s economy.
You can sign your business up to Together Gloucestershire here.
Cotswold Collective for B2C resilience
At the same time, Cotswold Collective is encouraging residents and businesses to consciously support independent cafés, shops and B2C services across the region, reinforcing the local economic ecosystem that high streets rely on. Cotswold Collective works in three ways:
- For local B2C businesses (Partners)
B2C businesses join Cotswold Collective to be featured on their app and website, where Members discover and visit them alongside over 400 local businesses across the Cotswolds.
Each Partner chooses a perk to offer, such as a small discount, complimentary item or added value experience. Members then redeem this via the app using their digital card.
In return, businesses benefit from:
- Increased visibility to a growing local audience
- Opportunities to attract new customers and encourage repeat visits
- Promotion through our app, email and social channels
- Being part of a wider community of local brands
The cost of being a CC Partner is £85 + VAT per year and includes your listing on the website, visibility in the app and promotion through our email and social channels. You’ll also receive invitations to our Partner events at a preferential rate, helping you connect with fellow local business owners and become more embedded in the local community.
- For employers (Corporate Membership)
Our Corporate Membership is a low-cost benefit that helps employees save money, supports local businesses and enhances wellbeing, while also strengthening ESG and B Corp credentials.
Employers provide memberships to their teams, who access everything through the app, where they can:
- Browse over 400 local businesses across the Cotswolds
- Save favourites
- Redeem perks instantly
Access to the app is all administered centrally, with easy onboarding by uploading employee emails.
For employers, it:
- Provides a meaningful, practical benefit that employees actually use
- Encourages people to get out and explore locally
- Channels employee spend back into local businesses
- Demonstrates a genuine commitment to community and wellbeing
The cost is typically £5 – £20 + VAT per employee per year (depending on team size), and is usually made back quickly by employees through just a couple of uses.
- For individual users (Members)
Individuals can also join directly and use the app to discover and enjoy what’s on their doorstep.
Members use their digital card to unlock perks at over 400 local businesses, spanning cafés, restaurants, shops, wellness and experiences, making it easier to try new places and support local businesses.
The aim is simple:
To help people shop, eat and explore more locally, while keeping high streets thriving and encouraging people to choose local over big chains and online giants.
Membership costs £30 per year – money typically made back quickly through just a couple of uses. Simply download the app from App Store or Google Play and subscribe.
These types of initiatives show that resilience isn’t just built through technology or policy, it’s built through relationships and local networks.
As organisations rethink risk and sustainability, strengthening local supply chains may be one of the most practical steps we can take.
If you’d like to talk about how your business can prioritise local suppliers, contact Camilla Barnes of Better Business. Better World camilla@betterbusinessbetterworld.org
Or better yet, book in to have a free 1:1 Green Gap review in person with Camilla at C2S HQ on 1st May https://www.c2sgrowth.com/events/11-clinic-with-camilla-barnes-esg-bcorp-iso14001/
[Photo: official launch of Gloucestershire B Local – network promoting social & environmental responsibility in Gloucestershire – with my co-chair Katharina Child & Cathia Jenainati or Gloucestershire University]
