One company that has embraced the ethos of keeping it local is this year’s recipient of the Keep It Local award at the Nemo Office Club Conference, Direct Office Supplies

You may have come across the Keep It Local initiative in various articles, features, or news pieces published by Dealer Support – and for good reason. Since its launch in 2019, Keep It Local has grown steadily in prominence, establishing itself as a recognised campaign across the UK. Direct Office Supplies managing director, Jonathan Barber, told us what the campaign has meant to them.

Congratulations on winning the Keep It Local award, how does it feel to win?
It’s an incredible honour! As a smaller business, we put our heart into everything we do, so to be recognised on a national stage like this means the world to us. It’s a real affirmation that staying true to your values and supporting your local community really does make a difference.

What has the campaign meant to you as a business and how did you get involved?
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.

What has been the biggest or most surprising thing to come out of the Keep It Local Campaign for your business?
The sense of connection has been the biggest surprise. 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.

Are there any unique or quirky ways that Direct Office Supplies encourages people to keep it local?
Yes! We love adding a personal touch, whether that’s hand-delivering urgent supplies, featuring local businesses in our newsletters, or running “local spotlights” on social media. 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!

What is something you’ve learnt either about your local community or your business from this experience?
We’ve learnt just how much power there is in community. 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.

What’s your advice for businesses who want to keep it local but don’t know where to start?
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.