Small Businesses Urged To 'Spotlight Their Success'

Small businesses across Belfast are being urged to shine a spotlight on their success stories and highlight the benefits they bring to the local economy at the start of the Christmas shopping season.



Small Business Saturday, which takes place on Saturday 2nd December, is a national grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support small businesses in their communities.



On the day, shoppers are urged to go out and support local, independent traders, while the businesses themselves are encouraged to use the event to raise their profile, by staging special events or offering discounts.



In Belfast, businesses on the Belmont Road will be holding a Victorian-themed event, with a Santa's grotto, a 'Christmas Bake Off' among traders and a fun day to encourage footfall and sales in the area.



In the city centre, BID One are planning a children's reindeer hunt in association with ten small businesses. You can explore Belfast City Centre with the kids and hunt down Santa and his reindeer in windows of independent shops and restaurants across BT1.



Councillor Mairéad O'Donnell, Chair of Belfast City Council's City Growth and Regeneration Committee said: "Small Business Saturday gives all kinds of small businesses in our city a great opportunity to market their products, increase trade and attract new customers. We urge shoppers to keep it local this year and buy some of your Christmas presents from our local, independent traders."



To find out more about how to take part in Small Business Saturday, and to download a free marketing pack, go to smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com.