Menu
25/07/2011
Large Retailer Tax 'Retrograde Step'
Major retailers are calling for the introduction of legislation that would enable them to make properly targeted contributions to the 'health' of Northern Ireland's high streets - and not a tax on larger traders as has been proposed.
The Northern Ireland Retail Consortium (NIRC) is urging the Executive to put in place the necessary framework for Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) instead of introducing the proposed Large Retailer Levy.
The planned tax on large retail premises would harm growth, job creation and town centres without any guarantee the money raised would reach the small retailers the Executive said it is intended for.
By contrast, BIDs are partnerships where businesses and local authorities agree priorities for action and investment. These deal with each town centre on an individual basis, funding specific initiatives, which will genuinely benefit local communities and trade.
Director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium, Jane Bevis, said: "Major retailers already make sizeable contributions to the Northern Ireland economy through business rates and other taxes, as well as by being major employers.
"Those contributions will continue and, given the right environment for success, will grow.
"Town centres do need reinvigoration and investment, but the proposed Large Retailer Levy is a blunt instrument which would do more harm than good. Enabling the creation of Business Improvement Districts instead would allow retailers to get directly involved with specific initiatives," she said.
"There are also practical steps which could be taken now to help all town centre businesses, such as improving public transport, providing affordable parking and having effective crime prevention measures. Retailers are ready to pay their way.
"Let's all work together to make sure any funds are gathered and spent effectively," she concluded.
(BMcC/GK)
The Northern Ireland Retail Consortium (NIRC) is urging the Executive to put in place the necessary framework for Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) instead of introducing the proposed Large Retailer Levy.
The planned tax on large retail premises would harm growth, job creation and town centres without any guarantee the money raised would reach the small retailers the Executive said it is intended for.
By contrast, BIDs are partnerships where businesses and local authorities agree priorities for action and investment. These deal with each town centre on an individual basis, funding specific initiatives, which will genuinely benefit local communities and trade.
Director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium, Jane Bevis, said: "Major retailers already make sizeable contributions to the Northern Ireland economy through business rates and other taxes, as well as by being major employers.
"Those contributions will continue and, given the right environment for success, will grow.
"Town centres do need reinvigoration and investment, but the proposed Large Retailer Levy is a blunt instrument which would do more harm than good. Enabling the creation of Business Improvement Districts instead would allow retailers to get directly involved with specific initiatives," she said.
"There are also practical steps which could be taken now to help all town centre businesses, such as improving public transport, providing affordable parking and having effective crime prevention measures. Retailers are ready to pay their way.
"Let's all work together to make sure any funds are gathered and spent effectively," she concluded.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 August 2011
Shock Rise In Electricity Bills Condemned
Independent shopkeepers are angry about a 'shock' rise in the cost of electricity. The NI Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) has expressed major concern about the announcement by Power NI [formerly NIE] of a 20% electricity hike for both domestic and small business customers. Power NI said on Thursday that the 18.
Shock Rise In Electricity Bills Condemned
Independent shopkeepers are angry about a 'shock' rise in the cost of electricity. The NI Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) has expressed major concern about the announcement by Power NI [formerly NIE] of a 20% electricity hike for both domestic and small business customers. Power NI said on Thursday that the 18.
14 October 2024
PSNI Urges Businesses To Report Crime As Week Of Action Begins
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is urging businesses to report crimes to help combat the issue of business crime across the country.
PSNI Urges Businesses To Report Crime As Week Of Action Begins
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is urging businesses to report crimes to help combat the issue of business crime across the country.
17 April 2008
Major Retailer Job Creation Killing Other Jobs
Ironically, given regular claims of job creation by the major 'big name' retailers, a new report has said that 7,000 shop jobs could be lost if the growth in out-of-town centres isn't halted. A trade association for the smaller retailers has warned that over 700 shops could close in rural parts of Northern Ireland within five years.
Major Retailer Job Creation Killing Other Jobs
Ironically, given regular claims of job creation by the major 'big name' retailers, a new report has said that 7,000 shop jobs could be lost if the growth in out-of-town centres isn't halted. A trade association for the smaller retailers has warned that over 700 shops could close in rural parts of Northern Ireland within five years.
07 November 2002
Political crisis threatens confidence, investment and jobs
Three-quarters of Northern Ireland business leaders say the collapse of the Good Friday Agreement would destroy business confidence. The unexpected result was part of a BBC Northern Ireland Business Day Poll survey which also revealed that if current levels of violence escalate, half of local employers would postpone planned investment or cut jobs.
Political crisis threatens confidence, investment and jobs
Three-quarters of Northern Ireland business leaders say the collapse of the Good Friday Agreement would destroy business confidence. The unexpected result was part of a BBC Northern Ireland Business Day Poll survey which also revealed that if current levels of violence escalate, half of local employers would postpone planned investment or cut jobs.
29 October 2018
Retailers Miss Out On Budget Plans Due To Political Impasse
SDLP Business Spokesperson Pat Catney has expressed his frustration that businesses in Northern Ireland will miss out on investment due to the lack of an Executive at Stormont. Chancellor Philip Hammond is due to announce a financial package that will give a £1.
Retailers Miss Out On Budget Plans Due To Political Impasse
SDLP Business Spokesperson Pat Catney has expressed his frustration that businesses in Northern Ireland will miss out on investment due to the lack of an Executive at Stormont. Chancellor Philip Hammond is due to announce a financial package that will give a £1.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
