15 June 2016
The Minister for Infrastructure launched the 2016 Independents’ Day campaign at a packed Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) reception in the NI Assembly last night, supported by Bank of Ireland UK.
Over 170 NIIRTA Members, Chambers of Commerce, MLAs and key stakeholders attended the launch.
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.
For the first time on 4th July, Translink will be providing shoppers with a fantastic offer of a £2 return ticket after 9.30am for all Ulsterbus town services and Metro in Belfast.
The Minister for Infrastructure, Chris Hazzard MLA said:
“This is a worthy initiative by NIIRTA to underline the importance of independent businesses to our economy. We need to improve transport connections for people, goods and services and to increase use of public transport.
“Local bus and train services make it easy for people to access town and city centres. I am delighted Translink has agreed to put together a package of discounts for Ulsterbus town services and Metro services on 4 July to support this initiative.
“There is strong independent evidence around the positive economic impact of public transport on the retail and hospitality sectors and in the appeal of an area for local shoppers and tourists
The Minister of Finance, Máirtín Ó Muilleoir MLA said:
“I want to deliver for all our people, and this includes the business community. We already have a vibrant and dynamic independent retail sector and I will do what I can to help support the innovative, can-do attitude that is so evident among our retailers.
“I would encourage everyone to support their local businesses on Independents’ day and celebrate the contribution they make to our communities, as well as the wider economy.”
NIIRTA Chief Executive, Glyn Roberts said:
“Independents’ Day 2016 will be bigger and better than ever before. We are delighted that Translink will be offering a fantastic deal to shoppers on 4th July with their £2 return deal. We are very pleased to have the generous support of Bank of Ireland UK for this years campaign.
“Shoppers have a real opportunity to do their bit and support their local shops on 4th July and throughout the summer. Independent retailers offer quality, choice and something different to the multiple retailers”
“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. In particular, we need to see new retail entrepreneurs coming forward and opening up new small businesses and leading the charge in regenerating our town centres”
Sean Sheehan, Bank of Ireland UK, NI Regional Director Consumer and Small Business 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.”
Sean Sheehan, Bank of Ireland UK, NI Regional Director Consumer & Small Business, Glyn Roberts, NIIRTA CEO, Chris Hazzard MLA, Minister for Infrastructure, Nigel Maxwell, NIIRA Chair and Chris Conway, Translink CEO
