Make It Local to help business community

Make It Local to help business community

5 March 2025

NEWRY, Mourne and Down Council is set to roll out a new ‘Make it Local’ campaign.

It is designed to engage local residents and visitors by showcasing the fantastic variety of goods and services available throughout the district to help foster a thriving, resilient and sustainable community and local economy.

It aims to build upon the successful completion of environmental improvement and revitalisation schemes under the small settlements regeneration programme funded by the Departments for Communities, Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Infrastructure and Newry, Mourne and Down Council. 

Launched on Monday, the campaign will introduce the friendly faces behind some of the district’s independent businesses while carrying the strapline, ‘There’s Lots to Love when you… #ShopLocal’. 

The message aims to showcase the distinct character, quality and diversity of small businesses across the district and highlight the improvements made to infrastructure and public spaces.

Overall, the initiative aims to encourage residents to rediscover and appreciate all that their local towns and villages have to offer. 

Featuring a mix of digital, print, social media and promotional PR, the campaign will spotlight businesses across the towns and villages of Dundrum, Killyleagh, Strangford, Castlewellan and Saintfield.

Council chairman Pete Byrne, said the new Make It Local initiative was another step forward in the organisation’s commitment to revitalising small settlements and fostering strong, vibrant communities. 

“It aligns with the council’s vision to create vital and viable towns that meet the needs of local citizens and the surrounding areas,” he said.

The council chairman said recent environmental improvement schemes and revitalisation projects have improved the physical infrastructure of the villages, creating a more vibrant welcoming environment, making these places more attractive for shoppers, visitors and also for new businesses to invest in. 

“By encouraging residents and visitors to shop locally, we can strengthen our communities and ensure that our villages thrive,” he said.

“This not only supports local businesses but also enhances the overall quality of life for our residents district-wide.”

Newry, Mourne and Down Council would like to extend its thanks to the businesses who participated in the Make It Local campaign.

For more information on ‘Make it Local’, please visit the Council’s website: www.newrymournedown.org/make-it-local