Comber Businesses Benefit From Rate Relief

The Empty Premises Rate Relief Scheme continues to benefit both town centres and business owners and has had a positive impact on businesses in Comber, County Down, according to the Department of Finance.

Finance Minister Simon Hamilton has met with the owner of the Beauty Retreat salon in Comber, a new business that has recently availed of the Scheme.

Simon Hamilton said: "The Empty Premises Rate Relief Scheme is a success story in bringing long term empty shops back into use, helping to regenerate our high streets and shopping areas. This new business in Comber is an excellent example of the benefits of the Scheme. Beauty Retreat was set up in an empty unit in the town centre and is now thriving with plans for expansion. This is hugely encouraging and clear evidence that the rate relief is making a real difference."

The Empty Retail Premises Relief Scheme, which runs until 31 March 2015 offers 50% rate relief for up to a year once retail premises become occupied. The Scheme applies to any business ratepayer who moves into premises, which were previously used for retail purposes and have been unoccupied for 12 months or more.

The Minister said: "More than 330 businesses have benefited since the Scheme was introduced in April 2012, amounting to £1.3m in rate relief.

"I would encourage anyone planning to set up a new business to consider seeking out a suitable empty unit and take advantage of this concession. The relief applies to all types of businesses, not just the retail trade."

Beauty Retreat owner Donna Houston said: "The rate relief I received came at an opportune time for me. My beauty business, which is six months old, has expanded dramatically and I need to employ additional staff. The money from the Scheme will enable me to invest in new equipment and an extra nail bar for the new staff member. The rate relief has therefore helped me expand my business and created employment."

(IT/CD)