Enterprise minister launches Independents Day 2015

The minister for enterprise has launched this year’s Independents Day campaign during a visit to the office of the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association office in Ballyhackamore.

Minister Jonathan Bell met a senior delegation of NIIRTA members before a walkabout to meet members of the Ballyhackamore Traders Association.

NIIRTA chief executive Glyn Roberts said: “This was a very productive first meeting with Minister Bell discussing the challenges facing the local retail sector and its crucial role in growing our private sector as a whole.

“Retail is our largest sector of Industry and is a key partner for economic growth towards a new dynamic private sector led Northern Ireland economy.

“We also impressed upon the Minister to ensure that Northern Ireland’s town centres and retail sector are included in future Tourism strategy.

“Independents Day is all about highlighting and celebrating the huge contribution that local retailers make, not just to the economy, but to the community and our town centres.

Mr Roberts called on shoppers to make an “extra special effort” to shop independently on July 4.

Enterprise minister Jonathan Bell MLA said: “Small businesses are at the heart of the Northern Ireland economy and it is important we create the conditions that allow them to grow and flourish.  Recently, we have seen many encouraging signs; the private sector is growing, job numbers are increasing and fewer people are out of work.

“There are also continuing positive signals that local households are beginning to spend more and this year’s Independents Day campaign is important in the context of encouraging all of us to appreciate and support our local traders.

“Organisations such as the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) are vital in helping to promote small retailers and business, as well as ensuring the local high street remains a vibrant and dynamic place at the centre of the community.”