At the Buy-From office, Shropshire isn’t just where we work, it’s part of who we are. COO Jessica Ralph can trace a direct family line back to the 1100s while Account Lead, Tegan Bristow is a 10th generation Shropshire native. For Buy-From founder Graeme Christie, a self-confessed “newcomer” after 30 plus years in the county, it was a deep love for his adopted home that motivated him to found the Company.
Inspired by his wife Chrissie, Graeme set out to create a company that would make a tangible, positive impact in the places it serves. Buy-From was created with a clear purpose to celebrate and support the independent and micro businesses that form the backbone of Shropshire’s economy. Ten years on, Buy-From works with clients across the UK while remaining firmly rooted in Shropshire, championing local enterprise, supporting local charities and building strong, long-term relationships with key organisations across the county.
When the opportunity arose to work closely with Shropshire Community Foundation (SCF), Buy-From recognised a clear strategic alignment. Jessica Ralph explains:
“We have been closely following the work of SCF Chair of Trustees, Selina Graham since her impressive role as High Sheriff of Shropshire and have been hugely inspired by her ongoing commitment to championing volunteers and community action across the county. At a time when so many people are facing unprecedented economic and social challenges, the need for transparent, targeted and impactful local funding has never been greater. Our shared values, strong networks and passion for Shropshire made this a natural partnership, and we are delighted to be supporting SCF’s growth through strategic marketing and communications.”
In just over three years, Shropshire Community Foundation will have invested over £300,000 directly into communities across the county, funding 140 impactful projects (across 150 grants awarded) supporting thousands of people across the county.
As SCF’s appointed marketing partner, Buy-From will work closely with the Foundation’s team, ambassadors, stakeholders and public-sector partners to strengthen its brand visibility, tell powerful impact stories and support engagement with donors, businesses and communities. Together, the partnership will focus on amplifying SCF’s voice, growing awareness of its work and helping to build stronger, more resilient communities across Shropshire.
A key focus of the partnership is the continued development of Shropshire Investors in Community (SIIC), SCF’s business membership network. More than 70 leading local businesses have already committed to investing in the future of Shropshire through SIIC and Buy-From is excited to help showcase the value of this growing collective.
In an economic climate where customers, employees and stakeholders increasingly expect businesses to demonstrate clear social value, Buy-From will be supporting SCF to highlight how SIIC membership can help organisations shape and strengthen their CSR and ESG goals. The partnership will also promote SIIC’s programme of exclusive networking opportunities, including its annual dinner and events that bring together purpose-driven businesses from across the county.
Commenting on the new partnership, SCF CEO Joanna Morris said, “When we were looking for a local marketing agency to support our next phase of growth, Buy-From were a strong contender. Their deep understanding of our values, comprehensive proposal, strategic thinking and their strong Shropshire roots made them the natural choice across our team. We are very much looking forward to working with Jess and her team, who clearly share our passion for helping the Shropshire community to thrive.”
This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for both of our organisations. United by a passion for Shropshire and a shared commitment to strengthening local communities, Buy-From and Shropshire Community Foundation are focused on creating lasting, meaningful impact. By combining strategic marketing expertise with place-based philanthropy, we look forward to helping more businesses play an active role in shaping a stronger, fairer future for Shropshire.