At the latest meeting of Belfast City Council – taking place on Monday, November 4 – Councillor Andrew Webb brought a motion seeking support for the first local Small Business Saturday imitative, planned for December 7.
In a separate motion Councillor Maire Hendron took steps towards the establishment of a regular group meeting between the Council’s party leaders and representatives of the business community, focusing on the future development of the city.
Both received unanimous support across the chamber.
Councillor Andrew Webb said: “I am delighted this motion received undivided support tonight. Small Business Saturday is a valuable initiative that has real potential to boost our local traders in the run up to Christmas.
“While much of the promotion of this event will fall to small business owners, there is an onus on the Council to provide practical support where possible. It’s important we use all our resources to encourage people to support small, local shops.
“Alliance is committed to protecting and enhancing our town centres as we believe the small business sector is the cornerstone of our local economy. I would urge everyone to take advantage of this positive initiative and support out traders on December 7.”
Group Leader Maire Hendron added: “Belfast is a great city and we as a Council should always been looking for ways to support our traders. We all have the same agenda and the same great ambition for Belfast.
“It is for this reason I proposed this motion, believing regular meetings between representatives of the business community and the Council party leaders will lead to a greater sharing of ideas and be a forum to plan for the future.
“I look forward to discussing this issue further as part of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee and hope to see resources identified and in place to make this idea a reality, letting goodwill prevail before Christmas.”