Newry Chamber met with the Shadow Secretary of State for NI, Hilary Benn MP in Newry as we continue to our lobbying for a comprehensive rescue package for local businesses impacted by the recent flooding.
The Shadow Secretary of State spoke with those flood-hit businesses in Newry as well as some businesses based in Flurrybridge Enterprise Park which was also damaged extensively.
Some of the businesses have since resumed trading out of their necessity to do so to restore an element of cashflow coming into their business in order to help them retain their valued staff members.
However, they are doing so whilst carrying out the necessary work required to restore their premises to their condition prior to the flooding. Some businesses have since relocated to temporary premises and others still remain closed.
Our local business community has always been a resilient one and that resilience will see them through this crisis but further support from the Government on top of the £15m funding package announced last week is required.
Julie Gibbons, President of Newry Chamber commented:
“I would like to thank the Shadow Secretary of State, Hilary Benn MP for accepting the Chamber’s invitation to come to Newry and for the empathy he showed to businesses impacted by the recent flooding.”
“He fully engaged and acknowledged the scale of the financial package needed to help businesses to get trading again and back to where they where prior to the flooding.”
“We outlined to him the need for significant investment in infrastructure to address the infrastructure deficit over recent decades and he acknowledged the need for this investment to restore confidence and allow us to grow our city economically.”
“He has assured us that he will be raising the need for a further financial package and infrastructure investment on the floor of the House of Commons during NI Question time next week.”
“Our message though is loud and clear – Newry is open for business! We encourage everyone to shop local and support the shops and businesses across our city and district.”