Have your say & ask the experts

timwileman:

excellent show that eh foxy?

Hilda Braid - fine actress...

I believe it's about striking a balance. We are pretty lucky because we have two really good farms that have well stocked shops, likewise we have the major supermarkets just a short journey away. We tend to use the farms about twice or maybe three time a month, due to budgets etc.  When we go to the supermarket we always check the labels and see which country that particular piece of meat originates from.

Although we'd much prefer to use the farms and local butchers and greengrocers all the time, often it's not always practical. There is a parellel when it comes to hi-fi. True, you have no say in where the product was made or assembled, but at least you can stay loyal to your local dealer

plastic penguin:

I believe it's about striking a balance. We are pretty lucky because we have two really good farms that have well stocked shops, likewise we have the major supermarkets just a short journey away. We tend to use the farms about twice or maybe three time a month, due to budgets etc.  When we go to the supermarket we always check the labels and see which country that particular piece of meat originates from.

Although we'd much prefer to use the farms and local butchers and greengrocers all the time, often it's not always practical. There is a parellel when it comes to hi-fi. True, you have no say in where the product was made or assembled, but at least you can stay loyal to your local dealer

JoelSim:

plastic penguin:

I believe it's about striking a balance. We are pretty lucky because we have two really good farms that have well stocked shops, likewise we have the major supermarkets just a short journey away. We tend to use the farms about twice or maybe three time a month, due to budgets etc.  When we go to the supermarket we always check the labels and see which country that particular piece of meat originates from.

Although we'd much prefer to use the farms and local butchers and greengrocers all the time, often it's not always practical. There is a parellel when it comes to hi-fi. True, you have no say in where the product was made or assembled, but at least you can stay loyal to your local dealer

It's not just about local for hifi, it's about small businesses with small turnovers wherever they are based.

Absolutely. We live in a small village and the amount of small businesses that have closed is scary. I'd prefer to pay a bit extra and buy from our local shops than go to a big organization. Outside factors sometimes dictates what or where you shop.

JoelSim:

I'm proud to live in one of the last parts of London that has no chain stores on the main shopping street, not even a Starbucks. The closest it gets is Fresh & Wild which opened before it was a chain. Loads of choice, loads of friendly little shopkeepers, loads of community spirit.

That's so refreshing to here that, Joel. Where we are the chemist, ironmongers and a few other shops close for lunch. They still only work half day on a Wednesday.

For the benefit of "RaveyGraveyDavey" and "JoelSim"

I've edited my post so as not to upset you chaps.  Obviously the 'three letter' word and "Choice" are a touchy subject for you.

I'm sorry I trod on a sore point ;-)

ALL THINGS in moderation chaps!. 

With most things, the right balance will emerge through the fog.

Whether
its Speakers made in Huddersfield or Hong-Kong.  Lamb chops from Wales
or New-Zealand.  Pork-pies from Melton-Mowbray or Moscow.

You Pays Your Money and You Takes Your Choice.

Choice
is the key.  Its the one thing that we need to maintain. [ No matter if
we are talking about Hi-Fi, Chickens, Cheese or Champagne  - CHOICE is vital!]

Chickens at "2 for a fiver" from the big supermarkets as
well as the Free-Range chicken Hugh is battling to promote - Both have
a market, both have their place.

Its when the balance is upset and choice removed that we should be worried. 

I just cant understand why I'm feeling V hungry all of a sudden!

Serenity 

"If you hear anything that I say, then I invite you to take it and
use it as your own. If you resonate with it because that's what we will make it
your own. And if you don't, then throw it away. Don't try to wear a shoe that
pinches."   Gary Zukav

plastic penguin:

Where we are the chemist, ironmongers and a few other shops close for lunch. They still only work half day on a Wednesday.

Gosh, how consumer-focussed  

Nobody has trodden on my sore point.It was a philosophical observation with a hint of humour.

(well it made me laugh) 

plastic penguin:

JoelSim:

I'm proud to live in one of the last parts of London that has no chain stores on the main shopping street, not even a Starbucks. The closest it gets is Fresh & Wild which opened before it was a chain. Loads of choice, loads of friendly little shopkeepers, loads of community spirit.

That's so refreshing to here that, Joel. Where we are the chemist, ironmongers and a few other shops close for lunch. They still only work half day on a Wednesday.

Graham_Thomas:

Local shops for local people.......

Taksinridgeback:

I recently went out looking for speakers and a new amplifier, and was shocked to find that very little seems to be made in Britain, or indeed Europe, these days. My information may not be accurate, but apparently such great names as KEF, Wharfedale, Mission, Mordaunt Short, Audiolab, and some B&W, Arcam and Quad are no longer made in the UK.

Now, I'm not xenophobic, nor am I arguing about the quality, it's just that I wanted to support the local industry. When I expanded the net to Europe, I found that even the nominally Danish speaker component manufacturers such as peerless and scanspeak are also made offshore.