04 July 2016
With today being Independents’ Day (4th July), First Minister Arlene Foster MLA has given her support to the campaign, which is supported by Bank of Ireland UK.
The Independents’ Day campaign celebrates the huge contribution independent traders make to local communities and to the local economy. Consumers are urged to make a special effort on 4th July to support these invaluable local businesses.
To support Independents’ Day, Translink will today be providing shoppers with a fantastic offer of a £2 return ticket after 9.30am for all Ulsterbus town services and Metro services in Belfast.
NIIRTA Chief Executive, Glyn Roberts said:
“We are absolutely delighted at the levels of support for Independents’ Day from Councils, Chambers of Commerce, political parties and independent retailers from all parts of Northern Ireland”
“We are particularly pleased to have secured the support of the First Minister”
“Independents’ Day is all about celebrating the jobs, investment and services our local traders provide for us all and is also a beacon to encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs, which is so vital to the future of our local economy.
“70p in every pound spent with a local independent retailer is recycled around the local economy, supporting farmers, local producers and town centres”
“The theme of Independents’ Day is Choice, Quality and Community-three words that define our fantastic local retailers”
Terry McCudden, Bank of Ireland UK, Head of Branches East said:
“The Independents’ Day campaign is an excellent opportunity for Bank of Ireland UK to acknowledge and promote the enormous contribution Independent retailers make to the local economy. It also serves as a timely reminder to local shoppers to ‘shop local’, to enjoy our high streets and to support the local traders in our communities.
“Bank of Ireland UK is committed to developing a stronger more vibrant economy in Northern Ireland and we continue to help local businesses achieve their ambitions. Our award winning small business package recently achieved a five star rating from Moneyfacts and we have business advisers in every one of our branches and business centres across Northern Ireland, providing valuable expertise and speedy decision-making. We are proud to support Independents’ Day and our local independent retailers and wish the campaign every success.”
Attached picture shows NIIRTA Chair Nigel Maxwell, First Minister Arlene Foster, NIIRTA CEO Glyn Roberts and Terry McCudden, Bank of Ireland UK, Head of Branches East.