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

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s ‘Make it Local’ campaign is designed to encourage residents to buy from and celebrate their local and independent businesses. The initiative strengthens the need for us all to support the businesses that form the backbone of the local economy to help foster a thriving, resilient, and sustainable community. Over the next few weeks, the Council is launching a ‘Make it Local’ public relations and advertising campaign to highlight the benefits of shopping locally.

Launching on Wednesday, 4 September, to coincide with the Eats and Beats Festival and the Amgen Irish Open, this campaign is designed to engage residents and visitors alike by highlighting the fantastic variety of goods and services available in Newcastle. The initiative aims to encourage everyone to ‘keep it local’ when deciding how to spend their money, ensuring that both locals and tourists can discover and support the unique offerings of our community. The campaign will feature local businesses through a comprehensive mix of digital, print, social media activities, and promotional PR.

The campaign carries the strapline ‘Where You Shop Makes a Difference’ and by introducing some of the friendly faces behind Newcastle’s independent businesses, the campaign focuses on the message that small business owners are a vital part of our communities. The businesses featured showcase the wide range of bespoke products and services that are available in Newcastle. Whether you are looking for a one-of-a-kind piece of art, a clothing retailer, family activities or something a bit more adventurous; there is something for everyone. 

With world-class events like the Amgen Irish Open returning to Newry, Mourne, and Down, it is crucial that local businesses seize this opportunity to showcase their offering, not just in Newcastle but across the district. The Council is committed to supporting local businesses through campaigns such as “Make it Local” to ensure that the benefits of hosting such events reach everyone and have a positive impact on our local economy.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said, “The ‘Make it Local’ initiative aims to promote and support businesses across the district by encouraging people to shop and spend locally. Shopping locally not only supports businesses, it also helps to create jobs and provides a much-needed financial boost to the local economy. All our town centres and high streets require the assistance and support of the local community and we want everyone to understand that ‘where you shop makes a difference’. 

Cllr Byrne continued; “In our area, we are 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 are inviting not only those who live in Newry, Mourne and Down to shop locally; our invitation extends far beyond our council border, with the promise of a warm and friendly welcome.” 

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council would like to extend its thanks to Newcastle Chamber of Commerce and the businesses who participated in the ‘Make it Local’ campaign; Binghams Menswear, Bear Necessities, Bike Mourne, and Painted Earth. 

For more information on ‘Make it Local’, please visit the Council’s website: www.newrymourneanddown.org/make-it-local