Finance Minister visits two Coleraine businesses which availed of Back in Business support
The Finance Minister has been in Coleraine seeing how two businesses availed of the Back in Business scheme.
Dr Caoimhe Archibald called on anyone planning to start or expand their business by setting up in a long term vacant property to avail of the Back in Business scheme.
The Minister was speaking as she visited two businesses who successfully applied for the rates support scheme which aims to attract new businesses onto high streets and town centres.
Visiting Hare and Hawthorn Ltd and Causeway Craft and Coffee in Coleraine, Minister Archibald welcomed the addition of both businesses to the high street, saying: “We all want to see our town centres and shopping areas thrive and that’s why I’m delighted to visit two new businesses in the heart of Coleraine who are helping to bring vibrancy, footfall and investment back into the high street.
“Both Hare and Hawthorn Ltd and Causeway Craft and Coffee Ltd are at the beginning of their business journeys. The Back in Business scheme will not only provide them with financial support with a reduction on their rates bill for the first two years, it also helps give a new lease of life back into premises that had been vacant for a long time, supporting the regeneration of Coleraine’s town centre and helping increase footfall for other traders in the area.
“I would urge anyone starting a business or expanding their existing business to consider setting up in an empty unit and avail of the rate support on offer through the scheme.”
Jennifer McCullagh, Emma Thorpe and Claire McDowell owners of Hare and Hawthorn Ltd said: “Setting up a new business is costly and the Back in Business scheme has been a welcome and unexpected benefit with our business planning. I would encourage potential business owners to take the scheme into consideration when looking at premises for their new ventures.”
Diane Malcolmson, owner of Causeway Craft and Coffee Ltd based in the Diamond Centre Coleraine, said: “Receiving the Back in Business support scheme will provide me with much needed financial assistance during the start of my new business journey.
"I would recommend anyone thinking about opening a new business to look into the scheme, as it could help with the financial decision on getting the premises you really desired.”