Rates boost is a Christmas boost for businesses

Rates boost is a Christmas boost for businesses

21 December 2011

STRUGGLING small business owners across the district have been given a pre-Christmas boost.

They will be among some 8,300 small retailers across the Province who will be paying around £740 less in rates in 2012 as a result of the Stormont Executive’s plan to place a levy on large out-of-town retailers.

The new rates levy will come into force next April under a scheme brought forward by Stormont Finance Minister Sammy Wilson.

In addition, a proposal by the Northern Ireland Independent Retailers Association (NIIRTA) for new-start retailers to be offered a 50 per cent rates discount when they take over empty shops is also being backed by Mr. Wilson.

Downpatrick businessman Patrick Cassidy has been working with NIIRTA representatives and senior officials at Stormont to secure a rates reduction for small businesses. He said the Finance Minister should be congratulated for bringing forward the new scheme and standing up for small businesses.

“The words on everyone’s lips at the moment are the economy, jobs, pensions and survival in what are very difficult and challenging economic times,” said Mr. Cassidy.

The former head of the Downpatrick Business Forum said since stepping down from his post he has been working on a number of pressing issues, in particular, the survival of small independent retailers across Northern Ireland.

He continued: “There is no point in towns having beautiful attractive streets if the main core of their business premises are shut. Small businesses need help and they need it now.

“While the rates reduction is not the answer to everyone’s prayer, I believe it’s a step in the right direction and one that will be widely welcomed.”

Also this week, Mr. Cassidy has congratulated the recently formed Downpatrick Chamber of Commerce and Down Council for this year’s Christmas lighting in Downpatrick. He said the festive display is proof of what can be achieved when the business community and local authority work together.

Mr. Cassidy also appealed to businesses in the town which have not yet joined the Chamber of Commerce to get involved and weigh in with their full support.

“The Chamber needs support to help make Downpatrick a destination to visit and really put the town on the map,” he said.

Mr. Cassidy added: “I would also like to thank everyone who supports local business in this very competitive retail world and wish them a Merry Christmas and peaceful New Year.”