"IT IS vital that we support our independent businesses and traders, and buying local is an ideal way to do this. If people, organisations and businesses spend their money with North-East companies, that investment stays in the region and helps our economy to develop.
“As a region, we are proud of firms that started in the North-East and have developed into national and international successes, and we have a proud history of nurturing them.
“Greggs is an example of a firm we all grew up with and supported.
"While still based in the region, it is now an enormous UK-wide operation. There are small companies all over the region that have the potential to mirror their growth and I feel sure many will.”
James Ramsbotham, chief executive, North-East Chamber of Commerce
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