Marjon supports Council’s drive to boost local growth

Released: 11.10.22

Plymouth Marjon University researchers have formed a partnership with Plymouth City Council to conduct key research to keep Plymouth businesses spending in Plymouth.

The ‘Spend 4 Plymouth’ initiative is focusing on keeping Plymouth businesses and organisations spending money locally in an effort to maximise the wider benefits to the local economy, community, and environment.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a growing focus on local spending and the advantages to local people, businesses, and organisations. In direct response to the pandemic and united behind a common purpose, Plymouth City Council and Marjon as part of the wider partnership are looking to address the needs of job protection, threats to livelihood, and a more sustainable and prosperous future for the city.

Spend4Plymouth was developed to explore how procurement and commissioning could play a role in the economic recovery of the city. The project team at Plymouth Marjon University have contributed to the city-wide initiative. The study uses questionnaires which will result in participant-selected interviews.

Dr Gregory Borne, responsible for leading the research team at Plymouth Marjon University, said: ‘This is an important initiative and an exciting time for Plymouth. This research will help to further understand the needs of local businesses and organisations drawing on insights identified in the research.’

Holly Golden, Head of Procurement for Plymouth City Council, added: ‘I am proud to be part of Spend4Plymouth. Supporting local businesses and generating social, economic, and environmental benefits for Plymouth should be an important element of any local organisation, and this research furthers the initiative’s cause.’

The initial survey, open to all organisations and businesses with a PL postcode, is available here.

For further details and information on the project, contact Dr Gregory Borne at gborne@marjon.ac.uk.

If you are interested in studying an undergraduate or postgraduate business course with Marjon, see more information here.