Make It Local

Make it Local is an initiative that is designed to encourage people within the district to shop locally and support local businesses. 

Autumn 2024 Make It Local Campaign

Following a 2024 Spring campaign, which highlighted local businesses in Newry and Downpatrick, we have launched another ‘Make It Local’ campaign to showcase local businesses in Newcastle.

The initiative is designed to celebrate the fantastic range of goods and services available on our highstreet and encourage the public to ‘keep it local’ when planning how they will spend their earnings. It will showcase local businesses through digital, print, outdoor advertising, social media activity and promotional PR.

The campaign coincides with Eats and Beats Festival and the Amgen Irish Open, to engage residents and visitors alike by highlighting local businesses in the Newcastle. Some of our local business owners are appearing on fresh new adverts with the caption ‘Where you shop makes a difference!’  However, we are keen to stress that all our town centres require the assistance and support of their local community.

Spring 2024 Make It Local Campaign

With support from the Department for Communities, we have launched a new ‘Make It Local’ public relations and advertising campaign, to urge residents to buy from and celebrate their local and independent businesses.  

The initiative is designed to celebrate the fantastic range of goods and services available on our highstreets and encourage the public to ‘keep it local’ when planning how they will spend their earnings. It will showcase local businesses through digital, print, outdoor advertising, social media activity and promotional PR.

The campaign focuses on Newry and Downpatrick's commercial centres, which were severely impacted by the autumn flooding. Some of our local business owners are appearing on fresh new adverts with the caption ‘Where you shop makes a difference!’  However, we are keen to stress that all our town centres require the assistance and support of their local community.

As part of the campaign, two distinctive groups were captured enjoying shopping days out in Newry and Downpatrick.  In Downpatrick, it follows a typical family on a Saturday, taking part in the weekly Park Run, checking out the shops and boutiques. In Newry, three friends benefit from the sights and sounds of a day out in the City, showcasing the vibrant commercial centre and its wide selection of retail and hospitality businesses.