SHOPPERS are being urged to support their local traders at this year's Small Business Saturday which takes place on December 5.
The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) asked consumers to "put small shops first" as they embark on their Christmas shopping today and throughout the festive period.
The organisation's chief executive Glyn Roberts travelled with NIIRTA member and Top 100 Small Business Saturday finalist Chris Suitor to a reception at the Treasury in London hosed by Chancellor George Osborne on Friday.
Speaking from the reception Mr Roberts said: “Shoppers have a real opportunity to do their bit and support their local shops on Small Business Saturday and throughout the Christmas period. Independent retailers offer quality, choice and something different to the multiple retailers.
“We want to see support not just for independent retailers, but every type of small business, be it local cafes, restaurants, bars, hairdresser’s or local producers.”
Delighted to meet @George_Osborne @SmallBizSatUK reception @hmtreasury with @SuitorMenswear #SmallBizSatUK pic.twitter.com/pCw1C6SZbV
— Glyn Roberts (@NIIRTA) December 4, 2015“It is our National Entrepreneurs’ Day, celebrating the jobs, investment and services our small businesses 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”
Chris Suitor from Suitor Mensware added: "We are delighted that our position as one of the leading menswear specialists has been put on the UK map as one the Top 100 Small Business Saturday. I was delighted to represent Northern Ireland’s world class independent retail sector at the Chancellors reception."
