Council and Local Chamber of Commerce Promote Small Business Saturday

November 29, 2018

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has joined forces with Lisburn Chamber of Commerce to promote the importance of Small Business Saturday, which is taking place on Saturday 1st December.

Now in its sixth year, Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign that highlights small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support small businesses within their communities.

Alderman William Leathem, Chairman of the Council’s Development Committee, said: “Within the Lisburn Castlereagh area we have local shops, restaurants and cafes that rely on the support of local customers and visitors to the area.  Although this campaign focuses on one day we are urging everybody to support our local shops and businesses all year round.  During Saturday 1st December many of our local stores will be offering discounts so be sure to shop local and ‘bag a bargain’.

“Coinciding with Small Business Saturday, as part of our Christmas Programme, the Council is offering free car parking in all its off-street car parks in the City Centre each Saturday in December. For that extra special gift you could pick up a unique present at one of the 30 stalls at the Frock Around the Clock ‘Christmas Craft in the City’ Fair, taking place from 12 noon to 5.00pm in Market Square.  We hope to see crowds of people supporting local businesses this Saturday.”

Recently elected Chamber President, Garry MacDonald visited a number of city centre retailers to publicise the two initiatives “Independent family businesses are the backbone of neighbourhood shopping and Small Business Saturday allows us to focus on their importance to a vibrant city centre”, commented Mr MacDonald. “If the Lisburn community supported local businesses whether in retail or hospitality, it will makes a huge difference to the sustainability of many family-owned establishments”.

Parking will be free each Saturday in December at the Council owned car parks at:  Antrim Street, Barrack Street, Governor’s Road, Laganbank Road, Longstone Street, Queen’s Road, Smithfield Square East, Benson Street, Quay Street and Union Bridge.

Show your support for local businesses by shopping local for your everyday items and your gifts this festive season.  The Love Lisburn initiative, supported by local retailers also offers discounts and special deals all year round.

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and Lisburn Chamber of Commerce are proud to support #SmallBizSatUK @SmallBizSatUK