Press

Retail NI and Belfast Chamber met with the First and deputy First Ministers last night to discuss Covid-19, high street recovery and the wearing of face coverings.

Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts and Belfast Chamber Chief Executive Simon Hamilton said:

“This was a positive meeting with the First and deputy First Ministers at which our two organisations outlined a number of ideas on progressing high street renewal, overall economic recovery and the wearing of face coverings”

-          94 areas are in towns and villages across Northern Ireland including Fintona, Kilrea, Lisbellaw and Warrenpoint

-          Full Fibre broadband build programme to reach these areas over the next two years

-          News follows recent announcement that Openreach is recruiting more than 100 apprentice engineers over the coming  months to support the build

Retail NI has launched its Independents’ Day campaign for 2020 with the Economy Minister Diane Dodds. The campaign will again include an online vote to find the people’s favourite independent retailer, local high street, independent retail employee and to recognise a retailer who has gone the extra mile for their customers during Covid-19. Camelot is the keynote supporter of Independents’ Day.

Commenting on today’s NI Executive decision to relax COVID-19 restrictions, Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said:

“These relaxations are a major step forward in reopening our high streets and will enable further economic recovery to take place. Moving to one metre social distancing is good news for shops and shoppers - this will allow a greater volume of customers to be in store and should reduce outdoor queues”

Glyn Roberts 07515710517