Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ballymena BID and Ballymena Business Centre are joining forces to encourage residents and visitors to the town centre to support local independent retailers and businesses on Independents’ Day which takes place on 4^th July. The Independents’ Day campaign, celebrates the huge contribution independent traders make to local communities and to the local economy. Consumers are urged to make a special effort on 4th July to support these invaluable local businesses. Independents’ Day in 2016 is supported by Bank of Ireland UK.

For the first time on 4^th July, Translink will be providing shoppers with a fantastic offer of a £2 return ticket after 9.30am for all Ulsterbus town services and Metro in Belfast.

Photo Caption L-R: Mayor Cllr. Audrey Wales MBE with Ballymena Bear, Ronan McCann (Chamber President), Melanie Christie-Boyle (Ballymena Business Centre), Jan Young (Bank of Ireland) and Alison Moore (Ballymena BID)

Ronan McCann, Ballymena Chamber of Commerce President said:

“July 4 will see a campaign driven by the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) roll out across Northern Ireland appealing to everyone to come into town and enjoy the buzz of our High Streets. 

Ballymena is very fortunate to have not just one main street but an eclectic-mix of places to shop. It’s a great shame that some people have forgotten how to shop locally. They have forgotten the pleasure of bumping into old friends, going for a coffee or even buying something… just because they wanted to spoil themselves. Ballymena town centre and our local villages offer everything you need on our doorsteps”. 

Jan Young, Bank of Ireland UK, Ballymena Branch Manager said: 

“The Independents’ Day campaign is an excellent opportunity for Bank of Ireland UK to acknowledge and promote the enormous contribution Independent retailers make to the local economy.  It also serves as a timely reminder to local shoppers to ‘shop local’, to enjoy our high streets and to support the local traders in our communities.

Bank of Ireland UK is committed to developing a stronger more vibrant economy in Northern Ireland and, we continue to help local businesses achieve their ambitions.  Our Award winning small business package recently achieved a five star rating from Moneyfacts and we have business advisers in our branch and business centre, providing valuable expertise and speedy decision-making. We are proud to support Independents’ Day and our local independent retailers”.

Alison Moore, Acting BID Manager described this initiative as great news for shoppers. Most Council controlled Ballymena town centre car parks are currently offering five hours parking for just £1 and advised motorists to check out the local car park tariffs for themselves.

Alison said “I think everyone likes the idea of having a town centre and local community spirit but we need to support our independent businesses not only on Independents’ Day but every day. The fact is that if we forget our town centre and village businesses, someday some of those well-established third and fourth generation businesses we all grew up with will close, not to re-open but instead leaving behind another empty shop”.

Melanie Christie-Boyle, Chief Executive of Ballymena Business Centre said:

“Ballymena has a vibrant mix of local entrepreneurs who have taken the adventurous step of starting their business.  Each year up to 100 individuals embark upon self-employment with many locating their businesses in our town centre and surrounding villages.  I would encourage everyone to support these local entrepreneurs, by doing so you will help them grow their business and create much needed employment opportunities for others within the Ballymena community”

NIIRTA Chief Executive, Glyn Roberts said:

“Independents’ Day 2016 will be bigger and better than ever before. We are delighted that Translink will be offering a fantastic deal to shoppers on 4th July with their £2 return deal. We are very pleased to have the generous support of Bank of Ireland UK for this years campaign.

Shoppers have a real opportunity to do their bit and support their local shops on 4th July and throughout the summer. Independent retailers offer quality, choice and something different to the multiple retailers

Independents’ Day is all about celebrating the jobs, investment and services our local traders 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”