Strabane businessman taking on Stormont over business rates

A Strabane businessman has called on Stormont leaders to take urgent action on the small business rates system, warning that without reform ‘our towns will continue to decline’.

Niall Speak, owner of The Eco Basket in Strabane, a wholefoods and eco-products store, has written to both the Finance Minister and the First Minister requesting meetings to discuss what he described as a ‘broken system that punishes local traders’.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our towns,” Niall said. “We create jobs, support local supply chains, and keep our high streets vibrant. Yet many of us are on the brink because business rates are one of our biggest fixed costs. Unless the system changes, more businesses will close, and our town centres will be left hollow.”

In his letters, Niall has proposed a series of reforms, including a tiered or turnover-based rates system so smaller businesses pay a fair share based on ability to pay, start-up relief to help new businesses survive their early years, targeted support for independent retailers and local service providers who contribute to town centre regeneration, and a review of thresholds to ensure the system is fair across all sectors.

Despite running a green and eco-friendly business that aligns with the Northern Ireland Executive’s target of reaching net zero by 2050, Niall says this contribution has no bearing on his rates bill – something he believes undermines the Executive’s own climate strategy.

“My business model is built around sustainability and supporting the transition to a greener economy,” he explained. “Yet there is no recognition of that in the rates system. A business that actively contributes to net zero goals is treated the same as one that does not.

“That makes no sense if the Executive is serious about climate commitments and the money they have spent producing a net zero plan.”

As part of his campaign, Niall has also launched a petition on Change.org to rally public support.

“This may be a David vs Goliath fight,” he said, “but I will fight it every single day. I love this place, I believe in it, and I will do everything I can to support the town I call home.

“I want to work with government to find solutions. With the right support, small businesses can thrive, create more local jobs, and breathe life back into our towns. Without it, the decline will only accelerate.”