As part of the Belfast Media Group ‘Buy Local Campaign’, we are launching a petition – which you can sign below — backing proposals by Minister for Finance Sammy Wilson to increase rates on mega-stores and use the revenue to provide rates relief to small traders and businesses.
Minister Wilson is putting the final touches to a raft of measures designed to boost small businesses which have been bearing the brunt of the economic recession. A consultation period on the proposals closes next week when the Minister will then take mull over responses and come up with firm recommendations.
While big businesses are lining up to attack the new proposals, the Belfast Media Group believes they will help rebalance the economy and create a fairer environment for small businesses — many of which are being squeezed by out-of-town retail complexes.
Said Máirtín Ó Muilleoir: “If we wish to nurture community, create meaningful jobs, and spread the wealth, we need to ensure our local businesses not only survive but thrive. We welcome the proposals by Minister Wilson and see this petition as shoring up his position as his progressive measures come under attack from the multinationals”.
