Council ‘Makes it Local’ with Continued Support of Businesses in the District

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, have once again demonstrated our firm support for local businesses in the district via our ‘Make It Local’ campaign.

This promotional initiative, which has been running for several years now, is designed to promote and bolster homegrown companies across Newry, Mourne and Down, by encouraging people to shop and spend locally. 

While it’s easy for us to extol the virtues of our local enterprising spirit, ‘Make It Local’ provides a dedicated platform for the unique business offering that the district boasts.

In our area, we have an outstanding portfolio of diverse and resilient businesses – and we must nurture them if we want to keep them going.

Now, more than ever, it is time to step up and show support for them by making it local.

Councillor Michael Savage, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, said, “There has never been a more crucial time for supporting local businesses.  We are living in an era of ongoing economic turbulence, where staying afloat can be a difficult, daily challenge for not only small and medium sized companies – but the big department stores as well. That’s why I am encouraging people – both from within the district and further afield – to shop locally."

Earlier this year, our council issued a call for businesses from both urban and rural locations, operating instore and/or online, to submit an expression of interest to feature in ‘Make It Local’ over the next year.

And it fills me with great pride to say that we received an overwhelming response from businesses wanting to contribute to this uplifting campaign.

I, personally, would like to thank those companies who have demonstrated their commitment to our area by expressing an interest and subsequently signing up to become part of the promotional drive.
 
Businesses that have engaged with the campaign so far this year include Bolster Community, Snaubs and Alexandria’s Baby Boutique in Newry.

Iconic Accessories, Studio D, The White Gallery and the Artisan Market in Warrenpoint have also come on board.

So too have Wraps Fashion and McCready’s Footwear in Newcastle; John A Shannon Ltd, Susan Magee Millinery & Hair and Faith Donaldson Optometrists in Kilkeel.

Also participating are Jacqueline Rooney Art in Rostrevor; Killeavy Castle Estate (and Farm Shop) in Killeavy; The Dufferin Coaching Inn and Hall in Killyleagh; and The Cuan in Strangford.

Make It Local is about supporting homegrown businesses and we want to remind those businesses that they have the full support of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in their endeavours to make this area one of the best places to live and work.

Customers are the fulcrum of the local business community, which itself is the fabric of Northern Ireland’s villages, towns and cities.

In our area, we’re lucky to have a vast array of cafes, bars, hotels and clothes retailers, as well as artists and artisans, who routinely offer their customers something that little bit different and strive to make shopping with them an enjoyable experience.

We’re inviting not only those who dwell in Newry, Mourne and Down to shop locally; our invitation extends far beyond our council border, with the promise of a warm and wholesome welcome.” 

For more information or to get involved in the Make It Local campaign, please visit the council’s website:  https://www.newrymournedown.org/make-it-local.