Look For Local and Support Small Businesses
9th December 2021
The Local Enterprise Offices’ Look for Local campaign was launched today by An Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar along with Damien English T.D. Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Robert Troy, T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation and several client companies from across the country who will be hoping consumers Look for Local in the run up to Christmas.
This is the third phase of the campaign, supported by Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authorities, which began in November 2020, is aimed at asking consumers to Look for Local when they are purchasing gifts, services and experiences this Christmas. It is also encouraging businesses to see what local suppliers may be available to them, particularly with ongoing international supply chain issues.
Research released by the Local Enterprise Offices as part of the Look for Local campaign that took place across the Summer showed that 66% of those consumers surveyed had purchased a local product, gift or service having seen the campaign or other similar shop local campaigns, and that 66% planned to continue to Look for Local again in the future.
The Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, said: “The lead up to Christmas is the perfect time to ‘Look for Local’ and support the businesses in your community, who are now entering their second festive period during the pandemic.
Our SMEs have shown remarkable fortitude over the past 20 months. They employ over 1 million people and are at the heart of communities across the country.
rish-made goods are renowned for their quality, craftmanship and design. All good reasons to check out what’s on your doorstep when shopping for friends and family this Christmas.”
The launch was attended by award winning chef Gráinne Mullins who set up Grá Chocolates at the beginning of the pandemic, Peter Sztal co-founder of Cloud Picker Coffee and Peigin Crowley of Ground Wellbeing, who also set up her business due to a downturn in her profession over the past 20 months. All were supported by their Local Enterprise Office to set up their businesses.
Since the pandemic began the Local Enterprise Office have helped thousands of small companies get trading online and adapt their business plans through training, mentoring and financial supports as they change to a new way of doing business.
Ann Marie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council and Chair of the CCMA Business, Enterprise and Innovation Committee said: “Local authorities are providing a range of supports to businesses alongside initiatives to encourage the public to shop locally this Christmas. Small businesses and retailers are the lifeblood of our cities, towns and villages, providing vital economic activity and employment opportunities and the support of the public is crucial for our local economies. Whether you’re shopping for gifts or searching for seasonal experiences, please ‘Look for Local’ and support local businesses and communities this Christmas.”
The campaign will run up to Christmas on national and local media with profiling of small businesses to help spotlight the array of local gifts, services and experiences that are available and encourage people to Look for Local and for businesses to look for local where they can when sourcing materials and goods.
For more information on the campaign go to www.LocalEnterprise.ie/LookforLocal and agencies, businesses and consumers will also be encouraged to use #LookforLocal on social media to help support the campaign.
Pictured (l-r), Peigín Crowley, founder Ground Wellbeing; Gráinne Mullins, founder Grá Chocolates, and Peter Sztal, co-founder Cloud Picker Coffee.
