People in Mid Ulster have been encouraged to spend locally in the lead up to Christmas with the launch of a new gift card specific to the area.
The new Mid Ulster Gift Card will be eligible to spend in more than 100 independent and national businesses in the area.
The scheme, which has been launched by Mid Ulster District Council, follows on from the Northern Ireland wide High Street Voucher scheme which gave a prepaid £100 gift card with the advice of "Spend Local".
The new gift cards are available to collect from a number of venues across Mid Ulster, including Ranfurly House in Dungannon and the Burnavon, Cookstown.
The new Mid Ulster Gift card is a "win-win" for customers and businesses, according to Chair of the Council, Councillor Paul McLean.
Cllr McLean said: “Our towns and villages have an unrivalled mix of quality independent retailers, as well as High Street names, together with great cafes, bars, restaurants and hotels and not forgetting the leisure and cultural venues where the card is also accepted.
“That means customers using the gift card have extensive choice and participating businesses help to ensure that we have greater opportunities to lock in spend to the local economy.
“Shopping local to support local companies has never been more important, as our businesses, particularly in the retail and hospitality sectors, continue to respond to the challenges of the pandemic.
“Our 100% investment in this project is another strand of our economic recovery plan to ensure we can all continue to enjoy strong, stable and vibrant towns and villages at the heart of our local communities.”
Attending the launch of the new card, Sammy-jo Dickson from Dungannon clothing outlet 14th Avenue, said it was a great incentive for people to spend local.
Sammy-jo added: “The Mid Ulster gift card is a great way to support your local traders and shop local.
“This gift card will offer customers the freedom to choose from a great selection of shops and businesses throughout the Mid Ulster area.”
