NI businesses ‘fight back’ on impact of Covid-19

Many in the town centre remain closed since the Covid-19 lockdown but are eager to prepare to reopen.

In a campaign by Portadown Chamber of Commerce, backed by Belfast Chamber of Commerce, calls have been made for clarity on when non-essential businesses can reopen, advice on safety for staff and customers and support from the Executive.

Chamber president Adrian Farrell said: “It’s not just businesses who want to know. I think shoppers want to know.

“The businesses that I have been speaking to want clarity on when they can open. They all want to open correctly, legally and they want to open safely for their staff and customers. They need time to prepare.”

With the Public Health Agency this week warning: ‘There is no room for complacency’ - Mr Farrell agreed.

“I think that is why businesses want clarity. Because if they get a clear date then they can plan to keep their staff and customers safe.”

In a document to be sent to the NI Executive, the chamber said, with trading down significantly, there will be a need for help with extra costs to implement social distancing when they begin trading again.

“Retailers in NI need support so that they can fight back against the impact the coronavirus has had on the industry and to help them build for the future.” The chamber, he said, is asking the Executive to help the sector to fight back by implementing a number of measures

It calls for a NI version of the £50m Reopening High Streets Safely Fund to allow the local councils and retailers to implement plans for the safe reopening of the town centre.

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