SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has urged the people of Derry to back a new initiative taking place tomorrow aimed at supporting the city’s independent traders.
Mark Durkan with (from left to right) Glyn Roberts, Martin McCrossan, Ivan Lewis and Sinead McLaughlin.
The city’s first ever Small Business Saturday is based on the long-standing retail-focused campaign from the US. But on this side of the Atlantic the campaign is seen as much more than just retail – it is about celebrating the vital role that all our small firms play in our economy and our local communities.
Mr Durkan was joined at the launch of the initiative by Shadow NI Secretary of State Ivan Lewis, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association Glyn Roberts, local Chamber of Commerce chief executive Sinead McLaughlin and Martin McCrossan from Derry City Tours.
Mr Durkan said: “I am delighted to support Small Business Saturday and celebrate the significant contribution made by small firms, micro-businesses and sole traders in Derry.
“Small businesses are crucial to our local economy – and this is a great opportunity to support local businessmen and women who are working hard to sustain jobs and provide future growth in our city.”
Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association Glyn Roberts said: Small Business Saturday was not just a “shop local” campaign.
He added: “It is about highlighting the huge contribution all of our small businesses make to the economy in Northern Ireland and throughout the UK.
“It is our national entrepreneurs’ day, celebrating the jobs, investment and services our small businesses provide for us all.
“We urge consumers to make a special effort to support their local shops, cafes, pubs, restaurants, hotels, manufacturers and as many other small businesses as possible on 7th December.
“This has been a difficult year for local small businesses and independent traders and we hope that Small Business Saturday will be the start of a much needed boost for them this Christmas.”
Federation of Small Businesses chairperson John Allan said: “The Federation of Small Businesses is delighted that Mark Durkan is backing the very first Small Business Saturday. The campaign is an excellent moment to celebrate the contribution that the smallest firms make to local communities and the wider economy.”
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