DEVASTATING BLOW FOR RETAIL & HOSPITALITY BUSINESSES
Last night’s NI Executive announcement is devastating news for the many retailers, hospitality businesses and those operating in the close contact services, that were looking forward to a sustained period of trade in the run up to Christmas.
The new restrictions will cover 2 weeks from 27th Nov 2020 – 11th Dec 2020.
We need the NI Executive to work with businesses and avoid lurching from one unplanned closure to another. Last night they promised further financial support, yet haven’t delivered on their last package of support. If we are to have an economy at the end of this and a viable retail and hospitality sector, they have to look at a better testing system and implement mass testing in urban centres.
As a Chamber, we are pushing the Think Local First message. At times like this we have to support each other. If you are out and about this week, support local retailers and hospitality before they close for two weeks. Avoid the online sites and support your local businesses when they reopen.
I will be meeting with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister on Monday and will set out the case on behalf of businesses in the Greater Newry Area.
The Chamber will be issuing a survey this evening to get your views of what you would like to see done and we will make sure these points are made in our representations to Ministers. COVID-19 has to be managed but it needs to be done in a way that doesn’t decimate our businesses.
We also need further clarification on what non-essential retail is. When we get this, we will issue a further update.
You can read the NI Executive statement HERE.
As further information becomes available, we will share it with members.
Colm Shannon
Chief Executive Officer
Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade