Councils join forces to accelerate local economic recovery

August 27, 2021

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDC), have launched an exciting new programme to help small businesses boost sales and rebuild their customer base, following the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Sales Accelerator Programme (SAP) is for owners or managers of small businesses across the two council areas who want to develop the skills, confidence and momentum to achieve new sales growth. Alderman Amanda Grehan, Chair of LCCC’s Development Committee, is delighted to be working with NMDC to help small businesses identify, target and convert new sales opportunities in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and GB.

The Sales Accelerator Programme is part-funded by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and Newry Mourne and Down District Council, Invest NI and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth & Jobs Northern Ireland [2014 – 2020] Programme.

Alderman Grehan said, “This initiative comes at a crucial time as we emerge from such a challenging period for businesses. We are confident that the Sales Accelerator Programme will fast-track the efforts of many small businesses to help boost their sales and give them the confidence they need to drive their business forward.”

Chairperson of NMDC, Cathy Mason, said: “This programme is open to businesses in both the LCCC and the NMDC areas that have been trading for more than 6 months, employ less than 50 people and have sales growth and job creation potential. It is designed to help them consolidate and grow by securing new customers. Demand for places will be high so I would encourage all eligible businesses to consider taking part soon.”

For more details on the Sales Accelerator Programme, please contact Mairead Bell at Full Circle by emailing mairead@fullcircle.eu.com  or call 02890 691027.