Support Local on Small Business Saturday: Mid Ulster Encourages Shoppers to Back Local Businesses

Small Business Saturday is returning on Saturday, 6 December, and Mid Ulster District Council is calling on residents to support local businesses and celebrate the independent retailers that keep towns and villages thriving. This nationwide initiative encourages people to look to local shops first before travelling to major cities or buying online, and the council is backing the campaign with a series of incentives across the district.

Why Support Local on Small Business Saturday?

As part of the twelfth annual UK campaign, Small Business Saturday aims to highlight the vital role independent traders play in our economy. Local shops create jobs, support families and help maintain vibrant, welcoming town centres across Mid Ulster.

Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Frances Burton, said the day is an ideal chance for residents to show appreciation for the businesses that serve their communities daily.

She said local businesses are the heart of Mid Ulster’s towns and villages, adding that every purchase—whether it’s a coffee, Christmas gift or service booking—helps to strengthen the local economy.

‘Get Vocal for Local’ This December

Councillor Burton encouraged everyone to shop local, eat local and support local on Small Business Saturday. The campaign invites residents to explore town centres in:

• Cookstown
• Dungannon
• Magherafelt
• Maghera
• Coalisland

Residents in rural villages are also urged to take part by backing businesses in their own local communities.

Prize Draws for Shoppers Across Mid Ulster

To make the day even more rewarding, shoppers who buy from a participating business in any of the five main towns on 6 December will be automatically entered into a special Small Business Saturday prize draw.

Each town will award:

• 1 x iPad
• 2 x £50 Mid Ulster Gift Cards

This gives residents not only the chance to support local businesses but also to take home fantastic prizes in time for Christmas.

10p Parking Promotion Returns

To encourage footfall in the run-up to Christmas, the popular 10p parking promotion will be in place from Saturday, 22 November until Saturday, 3 January 2026 in:

• Dungannon
• Magherafelt

Shoppers will be able to park for just 10p for the first three hours, making visits to town centres more convenient and affordable during the busy festive season.

Learn More About the Campaign

For full details about Small Business Saturday and how to support local businesses, visit the official campaign website:
https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com