For Direct Office Supplies, “local” isn’t just a word – it’s a way of doing business that builds trust and relationships

Over the past six years, Keep It Local has grown from a simple idea into a national movement. One business championing this ethos is Direct Office Supplies, where managing director Jonathan Barber and his team shared what the campaign has meant for them. This article is a shortened version of the full feature in the September/October issue of Dealer Support.

Jonathan on Why They Joined the Campaign

“The campaign aligned perfectly with what we already believe in, supporting the people and businesses around us. We got involved because we saw a genuine opportunity to highlight the importance of shopping and sourcing locally, and we knew we could promote that message in our community. It’s been a great way to showcase how local really matters.”

Jonathan on Customer Loyalty and Community Impact

“We’ve always known our customers were loyal, but the campaign sparked conversations, opened new doors and brought other local businesses together in ways we didn’t expect. It’s
been amazing to see how much people care about keeping things close to home.

It’s all about celebrating our local network. We also used the ‘Keep It Local’ branded gazebo from Nemo during our special MacMillan Cancer Support day that we hold annually each September. This helped to raise awareness that we want to keep business local, as customers, friends and suppliers all sat down for coffee and homemade cake together – and we raised over £1,000 last year thanks to everyone involved! People want to support businesses they trust, and that trust is built through genuine relationships. It’s also been a reminder that even small actions, like choosing a local supplier, can have a big impact.”

Jonathan on Making it Visible

“Start small. Talk to your customers and neighbours. Partner with other local businesses, even informally. Attend community events or host your own. It’s not about doing everything at once – it’s about being consistent and authentic. When you show that you care about your local area, others will too.”