Small Business Saturday bus arrives on time in Belfast

Small Business Saturday bus arrives on time in Belfast

Belfast City Council has hosted the Small Business Saturday bus tour at City Hall to highlight the ‘shop local’ message to customers.

The bus is touring the UK to gather support for independent retailers ahead of Small Business Saturday on December 5.

The campaign aims to boost small businesses by enabling them to promote offers, discounts and special events in their areas in the run-up to Christmas.

Local businesses from Holywood Arches and Ballyhackamore Business Associations were among independent retailers who visited the bus, along with councillor Carole Howard, deputy chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee.

Councillor Howard said: “At this time of year, it is important to highlight the offer of our local retailers and traders and encourage people to think local for their Christmas shopping.

“Small Business Saturday gives small businesses a unique opportunity to promote themselves, generate trade and attract new customers to ensure they continue to shop local.”

Local trade associations, including Holywood Arches Business Association, Ballyhackamore Business Association, and West Belfast Traders Forum are each holding special events on December 5 as part of the promotion.

Supporting the promotion, chief executive of Northern Ireland’s Independent Retail Trade Association, Glyn Roberts, said: “While Small Business Saturday is all about showcasing our fantastic local small businesses it is also crucial that consumers go the extra mile by shopping with local independent retailers throughout the Christmas period and beyond.

“Independent retailers are making a serious comeback in Northern Ireland and offer something different to multiple retailers, making our town centres that bit more diverse.

“Up to 70p in every pound that is spent with local independent retailers benefits the local economy by supporting local producers and suppliers.

“Let’s have a truly Independent Christmas this year!”

For more information, visit the council website at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/business or the Small Business Saturday site at www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com.