SERC Retail Students Support Local Businesses through their campaign
South Eastern Regional College (SERC) students have started a campaign to encourage fellow students and staff to shop locally and to support local businesses in the run up to Christmas.
Students from the Level 2 Traineeship in Retail, based at the College’s Downpatrick Campus have one clear message for everyone: Be Part of the Recovery.
Retail lecturer Rosemary McMullan said: “Like everyone, we were all stunned by the devastation caused by the recent floods.
“The students are well aware of the impact the flood has had on the town, on local businesses and on the people who work and study here – everyone has been impacted.
“They wanted to do something, so in the spirit of ‘do what you can,’ they worked with the College’s Creative Developers team, and developed a campaign to encourage the SERC and wider community to be part of the recovery by buying local, as we get set for the festive season.”
Rosemary added: “The students will be engaging with local businesses, asking them to be part of the campaign and to pose for photos with their newly developed brand.
“In addition, they will also run a poster campaign in the College and on all college computer screens during the month of December, which will promote the different shops and services in the town.”
Jim Masson, editor at Down News, has supported the local businesses in Downpatrick following the flooding by trying to keep vital information flowing and providing a visual communication record with photos.
He said: “I have done several hundred photos of the flood and of local business to date and SERC asked me to supply a couple of photos for the students to make up their shop local campaign posters.
“I’m delighted the College is backing the local business community so badly impacted by the flood. The flood affected not just those flooded but many other businesses who have suffered with the loss of footfall.
“Every effort to get Downpatrick up and running again is very welcome and I congratulate the students of their initiative and on designing a great poster to kick of this campaign. I wish them every success. Well done everybody! “
Visit: www.serc.ac.uk
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