Jun
02
NIIRTA makes birthday call for independent retail strategy
2010 | Filed under News | (0) 
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The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association has marked its 10th anniversary with a reception at the Northern Ireland Assembly.
More than 250 retailers, MLAs and many others attended the birthday event.
NIIRTA has also published its manifesto wish calls for a radical overhaul of the Executive, including cutting the number of departments to seven. The Association has also called again for the setting up of a department with responsibility for planning, town centre regeneration and transport, and the introduction of a substantial additional rates surcharge for out-of-town shopping centres.
The proposals come in a detailed policy document, ‘Programme for Prosperity – NIIRTA’s Economic Programme for Government’ which has been launched to coincide with NIIRTA’s 10th anniversary and contains more than 70 recommendations for all 12 government departments, including policing and justice.
This is the first time any local business organisation has produced comprehensive policy priorities for all 12 departments. The document was launched recently at Parliament Buildings at a well-attended event hosted by Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson.
The organisation, which represents 1200 members across Northern Ireland, also called in its manifesto for the publication of draft Planning Policy Statement (PPS) 5, and action to reduce energy costs and increase renewable energy options for smaller retailers.
NIIRTA chief executive, Glyn Roberts, told Ulster Grocer recently:
“Over the past 10 years, NIIRTA has sought to give leadership to the local independent retail sector and called for a level playing field in relation to retail planning policy and for the need to protect and enhance our town centres. We recognise that having devolution has been good for Northern Ireland and good for our economy. However it could be even better.
“Now that the General Election is over, NIIRTA will be making a priority the establishment of a comprehensive independent retail development strategy which can address the barriers to growth for this sector and put forward practical solutions by all the relevant government departments.”
Full details of the NIIRTA manifesto can be found at www.niirta.com
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