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. 

Christmas 2024 Make It Local Campaign

The Council is rolling out a new advertising and promotional campaign over the Christmas period, encouraging everyone to ‘Make it Local’ by buying from, celebrating and supporting their local and independent businesses.

Featuring the strapline ‘This Christmas, Make it Local’ the campaign launches on Monday 2 December and introduces the friendly faces behind some of the district’s independent businesses while focusing on the message that small business owners are a vital part of our community. Through a mix of digital, print, social media and promotional PR, the ‘Make it Local’ campaign showcases businesses in Newry, Downpatrick, Ballynahinch, Camlough, Kilkeel, Newcastle and Warrenpoint.

Coinciding with the busy Christmas shopping period the campaign is designed to engage residents and visitors alike by showcasing the fantastic variety of goods and services available throughout the district, encouraging shoppers to support local and independent businesses when making their festive purchases, to help foster a thriving, resilient, and sustainable community and local economy across the district.

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.