Consumers and businesses in County Offaly are being encouraged to shop local this Christmas and are reminded of the huge range of goods and services they can access on their own doorsteps with a new Government campaign to ‘Look For Local’. 

As we all plan to have a safe Christmas, the Government is reminding people of how easy it is to shop and trade locally, and support their own local businesses, either by phone, online for home delivery, or collection. 

 The Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said; “We want to remind people that even with restrictions in place, you can still shop local – whether the shops are physically open or selling products through click and collect services.

 “We all want to have a safe Christmas. Retailers have made huge sacrifices to keep us all safe and I know many have worked hard to adapt and move online. When picking up gifts this Christmas, it’s crucial that we do so safely to prevent the spread of the virus.

“It’s been a really tough year for business owners, their staff and families. I know many people are already looking to support their local business this Christmas. We hope this campaign builds on the upsurge that is already there and encourages people to explore their local retailer this year. Small businesses employ over one million people here, they are a crucial part of our economy and I hope we can all get behind them this Christmas.”

The Local Enterprise Office Offaly “Look for Local” campaign, which is funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities, aims to highlight small Offaly businesses in every sector, asking that people continue to build on the recent groundswell of support shown to local businesses when looking to buy goods or services.

Since January, the Local Enterprise Offices nationally have approved over 11,000 Trading Online Vouchers for small Irish businesses, helping them to create or adapt their online trading presence.  Over 12,060 Business Continuity Vouchers to small businesses have also been approved so far this year, while over 55,000 individuals have received Covid-19 specific mentoring or training from their Local Enterprise Office.

In 2019 Local Enterprise Office supported companies created 3,149 new jobs across the country.  In total the Local Enterprise Offices have financially supported over 7,400 companies who support 38,535 jobs in communities right across the country.

The campaign will be promoted by Local Enterprise Offices across the country along with Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities. It will be supported by national and local advertising and marketing.  The campaign will highlight Local Enterprise Office client companies across a range of sectors to spotlight the options out there for those who want to ‘Look for Local’ in the coming months

Ms. Orla Martin, Head of Enterprise said;  “This has been one of the most challenging years for Irish businesses in recent history.  The Local Enterprise Offices have been working closely with thousands of companies and entrepreneurs to provide financial and training supports to help them navigate these unprecedented times.  Now we want to try and encourage more consumers, but also businesses, to look local if they require goods or services.  If they are looking online, we want them to see if there is someone local who can help them and to try to support the small businesses and jobs in their local communities.  Small businesses across the country have had to pivot or change their models during this year and now more than ever they deserve our support.”  

Michael Brougham, Regional Director, Midlands, Mid-East & West, Enterprise Ireland said; “The Local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland have been on the front line of helping businesses throughout this pandemic and have played a significant role in supporting thousands of businesses. The Look for Local campaign is a chance to highlight all local businesses, not just those operating in the retail sector, but in all sectors. Similarly the campaign will encourage consumers and businesses alike to look locally for their goods and services, supporting local economies across the country.”

Ms. Anna Marie Delaney, Chief Executive, Offaly County Council said; “Local authorities are delighted to support the ‘Look for Local’ campaign and all efforts to showcase and celebrate local enterprise. Small businesses and retailers are the lifeblood of our cities, towns and villages, providing vital economic activity and employment opportunities. They have faced unprecedented challenges since March and local authorities have been working to support them as much as possible. We would urge all consumers and businesses to do the same, and to look out for Irish businesses this Christmas.”

The campaign will run for several weeks on media and profiling will continue until the end of the year to help spotlight local businesses across the country and encourage people to Look for Local.  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.  

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