Traders’ groups have business role to play

Traders’ groups have business role to play

1 July 2015

NEWRY, Mourne and Down Council has been urged to develop new initiatives which promote local goods and services.

The appeal was issued by the chief executive of the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Association (NIIRTA) during a meeting in Downpatrick last week.

Mr. Glyn Roberts met with council chairwoman Naomi Bailie at the Downshire Civic Centre and outlined the principles of the “local first” policy which his organisation has drawn up.

The NIIRTA says new councils have been handed enhanced powers and are now vital players in helping shape local economies. It explains its new policy is essentially an economic programme for local government setting out 80 ideas about how the 11 councils — working with the Northern Ireland Executive — can help create employment, regenerate town centres, revamp car parking and ensure they adopt a fair planning policy. 

Councillor Bailie said last week’s meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the challenges facing independent retailers in the current economic climate and to examine policy priorities for local economic development.

She said the meeting also provided an opportunity for Mr Roberts to encourage the council to develop and deliver initiatives which promote local goods and services. Councillor Bailie also highlighted the need for Newry, Mourne and Down Council to work in partnership with local retailers.

She continued: “I intend to work with council officials and representatives from the local Chambers of Commerce to develop a culture of ‘make it local’, thereby enhancing the sustainability of our various town centres across the district. I would encourage as many businesses as possible to embrace the ‘make it local’ approach to trade practices.”

Councillor Bailie is keen to work with the business community across the new super council area and for traders’ groups in all main towns to forge a closer working relationship with the local authority.

She added: “The new council recognises the importance of enhancing local trade and supporting the many excellent businesses we have in our area. We are also fortunate to have thriving Chambers of Commerce in Newry and Newcastle in particular with people working hard to promote their respective areas to boost business.

“We will shortly be rolling out our “shop local” initiative, confirming the organisation will be looking to the NIIRTA for any help and guidance it can provide on this issue and hope the meeting with Glyn will be the first of many.”

Councillor Bailie said many traders’ organisations across the super council area were already doing “fantastic jobs.”

She hoped the model used in Newry and Newcastle could be replicated in other areas and was keen to see a vibrant chamber of commerce in Downpatrick.