FSB does the business at show

The businesses are all FSB members and have benefitted from their stand being subsidised by FSB in a pilot initiative aimed at showcasing the breadth, quality and calibre of local small businesses.

FSB Belfast City Branch Chair, Ken Redpath, said: “Small businesses, such as our members, are the backbone of the local Northern Ireland economy.

“One of our main campaigns is ‘Keep Trade Local’ and the agri-food sector in particular has come to appreciate the value of buying from local suppliers so we wanted to come to the Balmoral Show to give our members the opportunity to capitalise on the more positive economic outlook.

“Customers and consumers are now aware that by spending locally they are putting something back into local jobs and the local community so if you are coming to the Balmoral Show please show us your support by visiting our stands to simply say hello or purchase something from the many local based goods and services our members will have on offer in our FSB Village.”

Dunmurry-based Clubmugs will be one of those companies who are part of the FSB Village.

Margaret O’Hare said of their participation: “With an anticipated 80,000 visitors passing through Balmoral this year we believe it’s an unrivalled opportunity to showcase our services.

“This is a superb initiative by the FSB. The show attracts a highly diverse audience, so as a growing company we are keen to take advantage of that level and breadth of exposure.”