Shop local?

I've never subscribed to the view that you should select suppliers on the basis that they're local and you therefore support the local economy and keep local citizens in work etc etc. Dont get me wrong, I love to see the town centre flourishing and my kinsfolk happy and prosperous - the problem is, I also want the best job done for my money and sometimes that cant be done by companies on my doorstep. Better we all strive to win business because we're the best at what we do than winning it because we're part of the local charity effort. Dont get me wrong, I'm happy to play the "and I'm just round the corner so you get the best possible service" card whenever I can, because in some instances proximity may be a powerful selection criteria and a big advantage to the client. Put "I should have your business out of loyalty to your town or region"? No thanks. If the central platform of your sales pitch is an attempt to appeal to some premeval tribal instinct rather than a passionate presentation of why your outstanding value, you deserve to lose out.