The First Step

I Buy Newcastle is an idea born from  a mixture of pride in Newcastle and wanting to support local businesses struggling in the wake of economic downturn. As a normal consumer I realize that I could easily do more to support them. The little extra that we spend with local business makes a big difference to them. To us it is an extra 15p for a loaf of bread but a £1.15 extra revenue to the corner shop.


Using local traders as much as possible has opened my eyes as a consumer to a whole new world of local products and services. I realize that often our local business' don't have the large marketing budget that the large companies. However they do have friendly faces that care about thier product instead of call centre voices that care about their commission.


We can really support our local shops with a combination of spending a little to make a big difference, a keen eye to find local goods and making the time to get to the local shops.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not preaching that the large companies are all evil, but I don't want to lose local shops with unique Newcastle charachter to big chain stores that to be honest, verge on boring and unimaginative. I want to keep Newcastle original and to stand apart from every other usual big city high street mix of Topman, Miss Selfridge, Starbucks, Superdrug, PriceLess Shoes and HMV. BORING! 


Becoming "I Buy Newcastle" does not happen over night, we must slowly wean ourselves off the corporate chain  and convenience buying that we are all now accustomed to. My personal journey in becoming "I Buy Newcastle" will start with buying my caffine fix from local coffee shops instead of Starbucks or Costa chains. Try it with me. 
Whatever we want as coffee consumers, I'm certain that ther is a local alternative to provide it. I personally want the best coffee with a buzz, i'm willing to wait and pay for it too, but that isn't for everyone I know. some want the coolest social hang out, some want the biggest cup of joe they can find, some want a quick coffee hit, no questions asked. Over the next month I will be reviewing locally owned coffee houses particularly.


If you have suggestions of coffee shops to try. Please post a comment. 
Any questions or comments would also be greatly appriciated.