Local Where 2 in Omagh has been named as one of the nation’s 100 most impressive small firms by the Small Business Saturday UK campaign, as it kicks off a wider call to encourage public support for small businesses.
Local Where 2 is a groundbreaking local web directory based in Omagh, Northern Ireland, officially launching on 9 September 2024. Founded by Lorraine McCutcheon, the platform is designed to empower small businesses by enhancing their visibility and fostering connections within local communities.
Through profiles, events, promotions, and vacancies, Local Where 2 provides a comprehensive solution for businesses to showcase their strengths and engage effectively with consumers.
The inspiration for Local Where 2 comes from Lorraine’s extensive experience working with small business owners who turn their passions into livelihoods for themselves and their families. Their dedication and resilience motivated her to create a platform that bridges gaps in market visibility and supports the growth and success of local businesses.
Lorraine’s background in business management and charity work has been instrumental in developing this innovative platform, driven by her passion for empowering small businesses and fostering community connections. Local Where 2 aims to create a transparent and vibrant marketplace where businesses thrive, communities connect, and families find everything they need locally. Following a nationwide search, the Omagh based firm has been selected as part of this year’s SmallBiz100 line-up, which showcases 100 of the most impressive independent businesses from across the nation as part of the count-down to Small Business Saturday on 7 December.
Running in the UK for over a decade, Small Business Saturday is the UK’s most successful small business campaign, which takes place each year on the first weekend in December, celebrating small businesses and encouraging consumers to 'shop local' and to support businesses in their communities.
“I couldn’t be prouder to be part of the SmallBiz100 campaign! It’s an incredible feeling to be recognised alongside so many dedicated small businesses. This campaign celebrates the heartbeat of our communities—small businesses like ours. We’re excited to be part of this movement that champions local success and reminds every one of the power of shopping local. It’s more than just business; it’s about supporting families, dreams, and the community we all share,” said Lorraine.
Local Where 2 will be profiled by the campaign on 7 September as part of the 100-day countdown to Small Business Saturday UK.
“It’s great to celebrate Local Where 2 as part of this year’s campaign,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK.
“This year’s SmallBiz100 list shows the huge contribution small businesses make to their communities and the wider UK economy. Despite the economy turning a corner, the nation’s small businesses continue to feel the fallout of a challenging few years and still need significant support to get back on their feet. Small Business Saturday is all about getting the nation to come out in force and show its love for our local businesses.”
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With a mission to support and celebrate the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses, Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign. It was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010, and the brand remains the principal supporter of the campaign in the UK.
On Small Business Saturday, customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, from independent shops and restaurants to small service and b2b businesses like accountants and plumbers. Many small businesses take an active role in promoting the day by hosting events and offering promotions.
Since the UK campaign started in 2013, it has reached millions of people and seen billions spent with small businesses on the day itself, with impact that lasts all year round. Last year, the campaign received support from the Prime Minister, the Mayor of London, as well as the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Over 90% of local councils also supported the campaign, which trended across social media on the day.
To get involved in Small Business Saturday UK visit: smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com
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