Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade had a useful discussion today with the NI Finance Minister, Conor Murphy MLA and a number of local business representatives.
Concern was expressed by businesses at the lack of speed of NI Executive decisions and the delay in getting the financial support out to businesses.
The Minister recognised there had been issues and advised that 61% of the eligible applications from the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Area for the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme were in the process of being paid or had been paid.
He also advised that his Department is looking at further rates interventions for next year.
The need to work closely with local businesses to deliver sustainable solutions was stressed to him and he was open to ideas particularly in regard to city and town centres.
On Brexit, the Minister recognised the concerns of local businesses and the lack of time to prepare in the event of no deal.