Menu
02/02/2006
Small businesses in NI hit by 'extortion'
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called for urgent steps to tackle the problem of organised crime in its evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee at Westminster.
A recent FSB survey indicated that around 6% of businesses are affected by "illegal donations." A finding that suggests up to 4,000 businesses could be affected.
Speaking to the Committee, Wilfred Mitchell, FSB Policy Chairman said: “We recognise that the Organised Crime Task Force has had a measure of initial success. However, more can be done at a grass-root level.
“There has never been a serious attempt by government to fully identify the core problem and find a solution to the extortion of the SME sector.
“Northern Ireland is dependent upon the SME sector and the FSB can demonstrate through research that illegal donations are a hidden cost of doing business."
The FSB’s submission focused on extortion and racketeering by paramilitaries and illegal organisations at a local level throughout Northern Ireland.
The FSB called for further research into the cost and impact of racketeering and extortion on small businesses and the wider economy to be commissioned.
The Confederation of British Industry in its submission said that some companies in the construction sector were paying up to £30,000 in "protection money."
The FSB, the CBI and the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce all recently joined the Organised Crime Task Force, chaired by Security Minister Sean Woodward.
The Minister welcomed the three business organisations contribution to tackling organised crime in Northern Ireland.
(SP)
A recent FSB survey indicated that around 6% of businesses are affected by "illegal donations." A finding that suggests up to 4,000 businesses could be affected.
Speaking to the Committee, Wilfred Mitchell, FSB Policy Chairman said: “We recognise that the Organised Crime Task Force has had a measure of initial success. However, more can be done at a grass-root level.
“There has never been a serious attempt by government to fully identify the core problem and find a solution to the extortion of the SME sector.
“Northern Ireland is dependent upon the SME sector and the FSB can demonstrate through research that illegal donations are a hidden cost of doing business."
The FSB’s submission focused on extortion and racketeering by paramilitaries and illegal organisations at a local level throughout Northern Ireland.
The FSB called for further research into the cost and impact of racketeering and extortion on small businesses and the wider economy to be commissioned.
The Confederation of British Industry in its submission said that some companies in the construction sector were paying up to £30,000 in "protection money."
The FSB, the CBI and the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce all recently joined the Organised Crime Task Force, chaired by Security Minister Sean Woodward.
The Minister welcomed the three business organisations contribution to tackling organised crime in Northern Ireland.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 October 2006
FSB advances financial proposals for NI
Business body, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), has unveiled plans for a Northern Ireland finance package. The FSB have called for the introduction of a Ten Year Rates Reinvestment Fund to offer every business in Northern Ireland a 50% rates reduction if they use the capital to employ more staff and expand their business.
FSB advances financial proposals for NI
Business body, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), has unveiled plans for a Northern Ireland finance package. The FSB have called for the introduction of a Ten Year Rates Reinvestment Fund to offer every business in Northern Ireland a 50% rates reduction if they use the capital to employ more staff and expand their business.
09 August 2005
NI businesses experience high crime rate
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has launched a new report criticising the Government for not giving crime against businesses the priority it deserves. The report - Cracking Business Crime - is based on a survey of over 18,000 small businesses across Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.
NI businesses experience high crime rate
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has launched a new report criticising the Government for not giving crime against businesses the priority it deserves. The report - Cracking Business Crime - is based on a survey of over 18,000 small businesses across Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.
08 June 2006
NI companies worst affected by crime
Northern Ireland companies are the worst affected by crime in the UK, it has today emerged. The report by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) claims that 40% of local companies affected by crime did not report it to police as they did not believe that this would achieve anything.
NI companies worst affected by crime
Northern Ireland companies are the worst affected by crime in the UK, it has today emerged. The report by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) claims that 40% of local companies affected by crime did not report it to police as they did not believe that this would achieve anything.
26 April 2004
FSB call on MEP candidates to cut down Euro legislation
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called on all candidates in the European Election to commit themselves to tackling the "huge problem of over regulation which is placing a huge burden on small businesses in Northern Ireland".
FSB call on MEP candidates to cut down Euro legislation
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called on all candidates in the European Election to commit themselves to tackling the "huge problem of over regulation which is placing a huge burden on small businesses in Northern Ireland".
03 October 2003
FSB to launch five point plan ahead of any elections
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Northern Ireland is to launch a five-point plan if the Assembly Elections are given the go ahead, it has been announced.
FSB to launch five point plan ahead of any elections
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Northern Ireland is to launch a five-point plan if the Assembly Elections are given the go ahead, it has been announced.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
