Buy Local - Hire Local

Have you heard the phrase 'Buy Local'? For years now it has been a mantra of sorts to support local businesses. In addition, it also enables people to be mindful of the carbon footprint and miles.

However, what do you think of when you hear this, Buy Local? Do you focus on food, gifts, mum and pop businesses....? Have you considered applying it to finding a local architect, planning consultant, heritage consultant, etc.?

How many of us have been involved in projects where the owner brings in someone from another area? For example, bringing in an architect from London to work on a project in a rural community in East Anglia. NOTE: I am NOT knocking London architects here- just making a point.

What does bringing in someone from a different part of the country provide? It will likely cost a lot more in fees, it will likely bring people in who have no knowledge of the area, context, history, vernacular, etc. So, what is the magic of bringing in someone NOT local? Is it theoretical prestige? Is it hopes that the proposal will turn into a Grand Design?

The next time you are looking for a specialist to hire for your project, consider looking for local talent. I have been in this part of the country for over twenty years and that local knowledge and experience is definitely worth a lot. Same goes for other professionals.

How about instead of Buy Local, we reframe it to Hire Local?? Thoughts??

#hirelocal #localtalent #contextmatters #hireWHC