TIM Hutchings, chief executive of the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry, applauded the Comet s campaign saying it will give businesses a major boost especially in the lead up to Christmas. He firmly believes it will make more people aware of

TIM Hutchings, chief executive of the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry, applauded the Comet's campaign saying it will give businesses a major boost especially in the lead up to Christmas.

He firmly believes it will make more people aware of what local businesses mean to the community not just by what they provide in terms of goods but also in the vital area of jobs.

Mr Hutchings (pictured right) says The Comet campaign will be the shot in the arm businesses need as the first shoots of a recovery from the long recession begin to appear.

"If people want to retain local shops and local jobs it is important they support them by shopping locally. It is important people get behind what The Comet is doing and I certainly welcome this initiative," said Mr Hutchings.

"I think a lot has changed in people's shopping practices over a period of years and the impact has been a change in the character of local town centres and even small towns and this has brought a number of local jobs under threat. People think very carefully how they spend their money.

"In some towns I also think local authorities need to understand the part they play. Car parking is one of the challenges local shops face when competing against out of town shopping centres.

"I think campaigns like this are needed to make people more aware of what they might lose in shops and jobs. The retail environment is changing without people considering the consequences concerning jobs.

"I believe we are entering the start of a long period of recovery and I hope people support this Buy Local campaign especially as we move towards Christmas. It is the kick start local businesses need.