Retail chief demands support for struggling businesses

POLITICIANS were urged to “get back to Stormont” when the chief executive of Retail NI visited Omagh on Thursday.

Glyn Roberts said it’s vital that ministers deal with the ongoing crisis which are “putting local businesses to the sword.”

Mr Roberts was in Omagh to launch the High Street Heroes Award for 2022, which recognises the contribution made by independent local retailers to the local community.

Speaking to the TyroneHerald, he said that the business community is now facing a “perfect storm of problems” despite the worst of the pandemic seemingly behind us.

“We’ve gone through difficult times of late, firstly with the pandemic and now with the twin threats of cost of living and the cost of doing business.

“Rising utility and food bills, rising national insurance, retailers back paying rates, which are the highest across these islands, and consumer confidence taking a dip means that we are now in a perfect storm.

“Many local businesses barely survived the pandemic only to be faced with new challenges. We need the Executive back and that view is unanimous across the business community.

“£300 million is available to help and we need to get it out to help both the consumer and local businesses. Instability in Stormont and now in London isn’t helping.”

Mr Roberts praised the “essential” contribution independent businesses and retailers are making to their communities.

“So many of our businesses were a vital lifeline during the pandemic under very serious circumstances, not just to town centres but the local rural community.

“They were there at a time in need when consumers couldn’t get to the bigger stores.”

Colm Broderick, president of Omagh Chamber of Commerce, added, “Businesses have had it tough over the last few years, especially the single operators who have burnt themselves out trying to keep afloat.

“It’s something which is only made harder by the cost of living crisis as they struggle to pay stock, heating and electricity
bills to keep their business open.”