As the talks to restore Devolution begin, Retail NI has urged the Governments and political parties to show leadership and secure a deal.
Glyn Roberts, Retail NI Chief Executive said:
“The political parties need to strike a deal and get back to work - that was the clear message of the voters in last week's election. No more excuses”
“Northern Ireland's political leaders need to lead the way with big bold solutions and to take the difficult decisions. Real leaders do not see problems; they seek solutions”
Retail NI, Newry Chamber of Commerce and Newry Business Improvement District have welcomed this morning’s vote at Newry, Mourne and Down Council Planning Committee to reject the proposed out of town retail application in Carnbane.
Matrix Planning Consultancy, Retail NI and Newry BID presented to the Committee this morning outlining their objection to the application. The Committee voted 4-2, with one abstention, in favour of accepting the Council Planners’ recommendation to reject the application.
Commenting on the 12% increase in shoplifting in Belfast, Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said:
“Sadly this increase of 12% in shoplifting comes as no surprise to many of our members in Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland”
“Shoplifting is not a victimless crime - it has a direct impact on our members’ profit margins”
“This is becoming a huge and unacceptable financial burden for independent retailers in every town and city in Northern Ireland who are already paying the highest business rates in the UK”
Newry BID, Newry Chamber of Commerce and Retail NI will again urge Newry, Mourne and Down Council to reject the proposed out of town retail application in Carnbane. The Council will once again consider the planning application which is recommended for refusal by Planning Officers on 11th December.
Retail NI has urged all businesses that have an external ATM to be vigilant after an ATM attack on a Tesco store in Antrim early this morning.
Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said:
“Yet again we awaken to the news of another disgraceful ATM attack on a retailer”
“In these next few weeks in the run up to Christmas, we would repeat our call for all retailers and businesses who have external ATMs to be vigilant, particularly if they are near building sites with diggers”
Commenting on the publication of the UK Labour Party’s Manifesto Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said:
“This manifesto is a radical and challenging document for the economy”
“Climate Change and the role of the private sector is rightly listed as a central priority in this manifesto. The retail sector wants to play its part in a stronger partnership with the UK Government to address the critical environment challenge”
Retail NI has condemned an attempted ATM robbery this morning on one its members in Ballynahinch. The attack caused extensive damage to Carlisle’s, one of the town's major employers.
In addition, an ATM was stolen from Knockbracken Health centre and an unsuccessful attempt was also made to steal one at Belfast City Hospital.
Retail NI, Newry Chamber of Commerce and Newry Business Improvement District have urged Newry, Mourne and Down Council to reject the proposed out of town retail application in Carnbane. The Council will consider the planning application tomorrow, 13th November.
This application, combined with the retail floor space of the food superstore, amounts to an eye-watering total of 22,653 sqm gross retail floor space (243,834.86 sqft) at an out of town location. This does not include the restaurants and café, which would also be deemed to be main town centre uses.
Retail NI has welcomed today’s announcement that Graham Civil Engineering has been appointed as the contractor for the first phase of the Belfast Transport Hub.
Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said:
“This is a genuine good news story for our economy with the very welcome prospect of 400 new jobs”
“Retail NI has long supported this vital project as both an investment in the infrastructure of Belfast City Centre and our transport network”
Retail NI members to receive 25% discount on tickets for the Neighbourhood Retailer Summit
Create a winning mindset to take your business to the next level at the number one conference for Northern Ireland industry.
The Neighbourhood Retailer Summit comes at a critical time for the economy in the UK and Ireland. It promises to be a much-needed platform for lively debate and a ‘must attend’ conference for all owners, directors, influencers, buyers, and key decision makers within retail.
