Retail Students Support Local Business

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 theLevel 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 floods have 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."

She 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.”      

Main picture:  (L- R) Paul Gow, SERC Study Support Worker, Noel Kielty – Wrap and Roll; Rosemary McMullan, Retail Lecturer; Kye Potts – Level 2 Retail; Cllr Gavin Sharvin, Deputy Chair Newry Mourne & Down District Council, Paul Walsh, Downpatrick Campus Manager, SERC; Catherine Rooney, Retail Lecturer; Aodhan Brannigan and Corey Speers – Level 2 Retail students and Sarah Johnston, St Patrick’s Centre. 

Smaller picture: Level 2 Retail students Kye Potts, Aodhan Brannigan and Corey Speers with Down News Editor, Jim Mason.