A MARKETING campaign is being planned to promote East Renfrewshire and boost the local economy following the “unprecedented disruption” caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

New branding could be launched to encourage people to live, work, visit and invest in the area.

The ‘Here’ brand has been designed to “celebrate the fact that our residents are proud of being from here,” a report by East Renfrewshire Council states.

With many businesses struggling to cope, despite support grants, the council wants to “take action where appropriate to stimulate economic recovery.”

Cabinet members will be asked to approve the ‘place branding’ strategy at a meeting tomorrow.

Research has been carried out with stakeholders, including local businesses, residents, council staff and East Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce, which highlighted that the area is “a collection of separate towns and villages with unique identities.”

The council report states the brand has been developed to support economic recovery, with the goal of “uniting East Renfrewshire’s unique towns and people through a shared sense of pride to live, work and play in East Renfrewshire.”

The new branding would be supported by photography and a logo, showcasing different towns, landmarks and activities.

In the short-term, the strategy aims to support businesses impacted by the pandemic and encourage East Renfrewshire residents to spend more of their time and money in the area through a ‘Love Local’ campaign.

Council chiefs want to encourage people to discover or learn more about their neighbourhoods, including outdoor green spaces.

With this in mind, a guide to walking and cycling routes would be developed.
Longer-term aims include attracting new businesses and residents to East Renfrewshire and increasing tourism opportunities.

“Traditionally, a high proportion of East Renfrewshire residents travel to work outside the local authority boundary area, often shopping and eating outwith the area,” the report adds.