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December 2010 / January 2011 www.niirta.com news Follow us on Facebook & Twitter
The magazine for the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association
Retailers Back Derry-Londonderry City of Culture Bid 1741 NIIRTA news:Layout 3 9/12/10 15:46 Page 2
NIIRTA News - December 2010 / January 2011
Derry/Londonderry City of Culture success can deliver prosperity
Amidst a seemingly interminable flow of bad news stories on the economic front, Derry-Londonderry’s success in winning Glyn Roberts NIIRTA CEO, Martin McCrossan, Derry City the UK City of Culture 2013 designation Centre Traders Forum with Mark Durkan MP, Cllr Brenda Stevenson, Pat Ramsey MLA showing their support for the is a much welcome beacon of hope and 2013 Bid with members of the City of Culture team and opportunity for the business community. SDLP Leader Margaret Ritchie MP
Oonagh McGillion, Temporary Director of Development Indeed, the projected igures for the impact of City of Culture with Derry City Council, explained that although the as an economic and tourism driver speak for them economic outlook for the region remains challenging, the themselves. A £98 million increase in wages and pro its by UK City of Culture celebrations can be a catalyst to deliver 2020, 2,800 additional workplace jobs over the same period real and lasting economic prosperity within the city and and 290,000 additional out of state tourist visits per year. across the North West. “Economically, the UK City of Culture programme isn’t a “The igures for the potential impact of City of Culture are case of seeking a quick shot in the arm whose bene its will startling. City of Culture will provide a unique opportunity fade after 2013. It provides us with an opportunity to to make the step change required to deliver long-term develop a more sustainable economy that will help us to economic prosperity to our region,” she said. create a unique offering in Northern Ireland that will In a joint statement, NIIRTA Chief Executive Glyn Roberts continue to attract future investment long after our year of and Derry City Centre Traders’ Forum Chair Martin celebration. Whether it is developing new business McCrossan said: “All of the team deserve the highest opportunities or becoming a corporate partner in the 2013 congratulations for such a professional and imaginative bid year the opportunities for local businesses will be diverse, for the UK City of Culture. It is a real testament to all of the widespread and long-lasting,” she said. people of Derry/ Londonderry. From today onward the Oonagh also noted that it’s not only the North West that hard work for 2013 really begins. 2013 must not just be stands to bene it from the process, but Northern Ireland about Arts & Culture, it must be about economic and town and the whole island of Ireland, particularly the border centre regeneration and attracting many more tourists to region of Donegal. the City.” “City of Culture will help the wider Northern Ireland economy by attracting tourists, raising economic performance and “A big priority must be the regeneration of Derry/ reducing the iscal costs of support currently incurred by the Londonderry City Centre. As we have seen in many other Derry-Londonderry economy. City of Culture will be a game cities when the Arts and Business forge effective changer for Northern Ireland with bene its extending across partnerships, then real economic and social regeneration the whole island of Ireland notably in the border region of soon follows.” Donegal,” she said. “Local Traders are very keen to play their part in The experience of cities that held the title of European supporting 2013 and we hope to meet ILEX and the other Capital of Culture between 1995 and 2004 underpins the stakeholders in the near future.” opportunity that an event such as City of Culture can provide. According to the European Commission, 80 per If you are interested in inding out more about cent of the cities felt that it had been the most valuable opportunities for your business please visit our website: cultural event their city had experienced as it had notably www.cityofculture2013.com or email us at: helped contribute to the stimulation of local development. [email protected].
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NIIRTA News - December 2010 / January 2011
NIIRTA also outlined its key policy proposals for the NIIRTA Meet with Justice Minister Justice Department in its document ‘Programme for on Business Crime Prosperity’ which was launched earlier this year. NIIRTA Chief Executive Glyn A senior delegation from the Northern Roberts said: “The impact of business and retail crime is Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association costing our economy millions every year whether has met with Justice Minister David Ford to it is anti-social behaviour, shop lifting or even ATM discuss the ongoing problem of business crime robberies. Indeed 2 out of 3 and the recently introduced Justice Bill. of our members have been the victims of crime in the last year.”
“Clear progress has been made in co-ordination with the various business groups, agencies and the PSNI through the Business Crime Partnership. However much more needs to be done to ensure that we see a real reduction in crime against our members. We outlined to the Minister a number of policy priorities such as setting speci ic targets for police response times to business crime, recording of
retail crime to be included NIIRTA Vice Chair Christine Grant, CEO Glyn Roberts, Minister David Ford MLA & NIIRTA in criminal mapping by the Chairman, Paddy Doody police and asked that business crime is set as a provisions in the new opportunity to discuss the this partnership under key performance indicator Justice Bill. In particular, the issue of retail and business devolution so that we can for the PSNI.” proposals for Fixed crime with the NIIRTA.” work together to reduce Penalties for crimes such as business crime. “We also put on record our shoplifting, the offender “Business crime has a real appreciation of the work of levy and the creation of impact on local businesses, “I was interested to hear the the PSNI and the excellent Policing and Safety customers and staff, the proposals from NIIRTA and work that the recent Gold Partnerships. With 2 out of communities in which they would encourage the Command group did in every 3 businesses being serve and the wider association and others to tackling the ATM Robberies. the victim of crime, which economy. A crime against take the opportunity to help ATM robberies are now results in a cost of millions business is by no means a shape the new Community down by 86% which has to to our economy, ensuring victimless crime. I am Safety Strategy for Northern welcomed.” our Justice system is it for pleased to say that my Ireland, when I publish purpose is crucial.” Department’s links with the proposals for consultation “At our meeting with business community are shortly.” Minister Ford we indicated Justice Minister David Ford strong and I am committed our support for many of the added: “I welcome the to further strengthening
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NIIRTA News - December 2010 / January 2011
Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew MP and Sean Owens Development Chef Northern Ireland Pork and Bacon Forum launching the judging
by the efforts of the Ulster Pork the butcher innovation of pork Rewarding and Bacon Forum within the sausages with a taste local supply chain and the explosion, bite, texture and and butchers who took part in the all round presentation and Quality and Taste - National Sausage Competition. focus. This was supported by There were over two hundred the butchers own recipe and the 2010 National and ifty entries into the presented with a consumer competition and the main twist. This category has grown objective was to ind the beyond all expectations and Sausage Awards Housewife’s Choice of Pork follows the consumers search Sausage. for new tastes and experiences. and Competition Andrew McCrea a pig producer A new category was also from Stewartstown distributed introduced this year for these awards in his capacity of The Ulster Pork and Bacon Forum held the Pedigree Pork and the award UK Pig Farmer of the Year. Ninth National Sausage Competition and was sponsored by the British Andrew’s success was Awards and these were recently presented at Pig Association. The irst recognised by the industry and the Templeton Hotel in Templepatrick. winner of this award was shows the professionalism and Deborah Anderson, commitment to pig farming in All participating butchers and in Northern Ireland and Broomcottage Greyabbey. Northern Ireland. retailers throughout the reinforced Local and Pork as a Province received ‘It Can Only winning combination with a The overall winner of the 2010 The 2010 winner of the Be Northern Ireland Pork... quality assurance and welfare National Sausage Competition Gourmet Category was Tom merchandising detailing the standards second to none. in Northern Ireland was David McMaster of Home Farm Meats bene its of local pork, bacon, Consumers want to support the Burns, of David Burns Butchers in Whitehead, Randalstown. ham and sausage and the local industry and it is vital that in Bangor. David was also the Tom’s ‘Your Five a Day’ recipe importance of this industry to retailers support this quality irst prize winner for Co. Down. was exceptional and were a ine the Northern Ireland economy. message as we move into the balance of root vegetables. The These awards followed on from crucial Christmas period. Gourmet Pork runner-up was Gary Coote, of National Sausage Week Speciality Sausage Gary Coote Meats Fivemiletown, promotions throughout Lynda Bryans compèred the In 2010 the Gourmet Pork and this was for Smoked Bacon participating retailer butchers evening and was encouraged Sausage category reinforced with Green Cabbage.
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NIIRTA News - December 2010 / January 2011
Third in this category was awarded in memory of Martin FC Robinson, Ballyclare, Sprotts Northern Irish pork to provide NIIRTA member Joseph Quail, McEvoy. of Portadown, Grants of their customers with the great of Quail Fine Foods in L/Derry and Pinkerton’s of taste experience that is Banbridge. This sausage The Elite Butchers’ Award was Armagh for their sponsorship inherent in the quality produce consisted of pork, mango and presented to David Trimble of of these awards. from our local pig industry,” he aubergine and had a low fat Fresh Food Centre in continued. content and achieved a Castlewellan. This prize was Commenting, Keith Smyton, distinctive taste. awarded for outstanding Chief Executive of the Pork & “Our aim is to ensure that achievement and to best Bacon Forum said, “Northern consumers are aware of this The Northern Ireland newcomer to the competition. Ireland pig producers and and that retailers give Independent Retailer Trade The Master Butchers Award processors have been genuinely 100 per cent local Association (NIIRTA) sponsored was presented to Brendan encouraged by the efforts of the pork products the space and the retailer butchers entry and Arthurs of Arthurs Butchers, local butchers and retailers promotion they so deserve this has grown from strength to Portaferry and this award is for who took part in this year’s onshelf,” concluded Keith. strength. The 2010 winner was the Chefs Choice of pork National Sausage Competition David Hamilton, of Hamilton’s sausage and for overall and who supported National NIIRTA Chief Executive Glyn Butchers in Castelderg. presentation and taste. Sausage Week and the ongoing Roberts said: “NIIRTA is once marketing and promotional again delighted to show its The Martin McEvoy Cup, The chairman of the Pork and activities initiated by the Forum support for these awards, but sponsored by Loughry College Bacon Forum thanked the to support the local pork also for the superb work that and the UK Institute of Meat many sponsors that included:- industry.” Keith and all his team do in the was presented to Mr Harry Northern Ireland Pig Producers, Pork and Bacon Forum.” Marquiss of Marquiss Meats the Master Butchers “Our annual National Sausage Muckamore, for outstanding Association, the Elite Butchers Competition is a real showcase “Northern Ireland Pork is world sausage making and meat skills. Association, NIIRTA, British Pig for the wealth of innovative and class and we are justly proud of This award recognises all the Association, Weight Watchers, highly skilled butchers we have the vital route to market that technicalities to make a DARD, Invest NI; Vion Food, throughout Northern Ireland the independent retail provides winning sausage and is Cookstown, Dunbia Ballymena, who are using 100 per cent to the sector.”
Glyn Roberts with the winners of the NIIRTA section of National Sausage awards, David Trimble, Elaine Baird and Tommy Logue (David A Scott Photography)
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NIIRTA News - December 2010 / January 2011 NIIRTA Lobbying for its members...
Hugo Swire MP, Minister of State at the Northern Ireland Office, Glyn Roberts, NIIRTA Glyn Roberts with Owen Paterson MP Secretar CEO and Owen Paterson MP, Secretary of State
Glyn Roberts NIIRTA CEO addressing the Cllr Alan Ewart, DOE Special Adviser, Glyn Roberts and Edwin Poots MLA, DOE Ulster Unionist Party Conference Dinner (Kevi Minister at the NIIRTA Reception at the DUP Conference Cooper Photography)
DUP Business Dinner (from left to right) Junior Minister Robin Newton MLA, Glyn Roberts, Finance Minister Sammy Wilson MP, First Minister Peter Robinson MLA, Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster Glyn Roberts with SDLP Leader Margaret Rit MLA, IoD Chair Joanne Stewart, Environment Minister Edwin Poots MLA, & Belfast City MP & NI Chamber President Francis Martin (K Centre Manager Andrew Irvine (Kevin Cooper Photography) Cooper Photography)
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NIIRTA News - December 2010 / January 2011
retary of State for Northern Ireland Glyn Roberts with First Minister Peter Robinson MLA (Kevin Cooper Photography)
Danny Kennedy MLA, Minister for Employment e and Learning & NIIRTA CEO Glyn Roberts at (Kevin the NIIRTA Reception at the Ulster Unionist Glyn Roberts with Nelson McCausland MLA, Minister for Culture, Art Conference (Kevin Cooper Photography) and Leisure at the NIIRTA Reception at the DUP Conference
Ulster Unionist Leader Tom Elliott MLA & et Ritchie NIIRTA CEO Glyn Roberts at the NIIRTA rtin (Kevin Reception at the Ulster Unionist Glyn Roberts addressing the SDLP Conference Dinner at the Ramada Conference (Kevin Cooper Photography) Hotel (Kevin Cooper Photography)
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NIIRTA News - December 2010 / January 2011
Town Centre Regeneration Royal Exchange Funding must be Priority moves Forward
Social Development Minister Alex Attwood has welcomed the recent lodging of the planning application for the proposed Royal Exchange Scheme
Alex Attwood said: “The planning application, by Royal Exchange Belfast Ltd, marks the next step in taking forward the regeneration of Belfast City Centre with this major retail-led scheme. By making progress with planning during the downturn we will ensure that Belfast is ready to take advantage of the upturn in the economy when it arrives. We now have detailed plans for a further lagship regeneration scheme for the city centre which we can showcase to investors and retailers. Glyn Roberts with Social Development Minister Alex Attwood MLA (Kevin Cooper Photography) “This is good news for Belfast and demonstrates that the city is open for business and looking to a more At a recent meeting with Social Development Minister Alex prosperous future at a time when people are concerned about the economy. The scheme to be Attwood MLA, representatives from the Northern Ireland delivered by the planning application substantially Independent Retail Trade Association and other traders achieves my Department’s regeneration objectives for groups called for the Executive to ensure that Town Centre the regeneration of this rundown area of the city as set Regeneration funding remains a priority. out in the North East Quarter masterplan. I would Among those who attended the meeting included NIIRTA encourage all stakeholders and the general public to CEO, Glyn Roberts, David Hunter, Larne Traders provide their views on the application as it proceeds through planning. Association, Martin McCrossan, Chair, Derry/ Londonderry City Centre Traders Forum and Des Stephens, NIIRTA “On 1 December 2009 my Department announced that it Planning Consultant. would commence the preparation of preliminary plans for the promotion of a statutory Development Scheme Glyn Roberts, NIIRTA Chief Executive said: “This was a for the Royal Exchange site with the aim of publishing these for public consultation in Autumn 2010. The positive irst meeting with Minister Attwood at which we Department has concluded that it would be premature urged that town centre regeneration be treated as a priority to move forward with these plans at this time as the for the Executive as a whole.” retail sector is still recovering from the effects of the “Our town centres are under massive threat from over a recession. DSD will continue to monitor the dozen major out of town developments and so funding for performance of the sector and we will make a further projects that will create new jobs and attract more footfall announcement as soon as we are in a position to do so.” for existing retailers is absolutely vital for the future of our Glyn Roberts, NIIRTA Chief Executive said: “This is town and city centres.” very good news for Belfast City Centre and for its “Strong and vibrant town centres create new jobs and retailers, particularly given this application may have private sector investment which is essential if we are to been in doubt with the recession. “This is exactly the move towards a sustainable recovery.” type of town centre friendly application which we are “Funding for such projects as the Royal Exchange could fully supportive of because it will bring thousands of retail and construction jobs. It will also secure existing create upwards of 3000 much needed private sector jobs in city centre jobs and will increase overall footfall for Belfast City Centre.” hard pressed retailers, restaurants and pubs.” “DSD has a crucial role to play in the future of our town centres and while we fully recognise the severe inancial “I would hope that this application is strongly pressure all departments are under, cutting vital funding supported by all stakeholders and that we will see it which threatens to slow moves toward recovery clearly is processed as quickly as possible by DOE Planning.” not helpful.”
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NIIRTA News - December 2010 / January 2011
happen to them or they will aggressive customer you Support for Retailers facing deal with it when it happens should stand slightly side on but it’s foolhardy to simply with feet apart and keep a Aggressive Customers cross your ingers and hope distance between you. This that nothing serious will allows you to move away happen – employers and from violent actions if In a highly competitive sector retailers employees in every sector threatened. are only too aware of the importance of have a responsibility to • Assistance: Think of ensure that they know what simple code words which customer service – a satisfied customer to do should they ind can alert other members of can mean repeat custom, free themselves in the staff to a problem, without advertising through word of mouth and unfortunate position of making the aggressor aware dealing with an incidence of or alarming the other can help a business develop a solid workplace violence.’ customers. You can then reputation for good service. work effectively as a team to Quell have put together ind a safe, fast solution to their Top 10 Tips for the problem. keeping safe at work: • Plausible Excuse: Have a sentence in your head, • Know your Company which would allow you to Policy: Every professional leave a confrontation safely company ensures staff know without escalating the where they stand in relation situation. (Example: If you to customers and how to act give me 2 mins Sir I will see accordingly in situations what I can do) • Be professional: Take • Self Con idence: A pride in your work and con ident appearance and strive to offer a high approach will limit the standard of customer chances of the customer Will Holland and Hilary Quigley from Quell service as this will reduce becoming more emotional the likelihood of having to and frustrated with you. At times, however, keeping or more long term deal with unhappy or You should be assertive but the customer happy can be psychological effects such as aggressive customers. not aggressive and never challenging. Despite our stress or anxiety. This can • Eye Contact: This skill is use sarcasm. best efforts it is not always represent a real inancial paramount when dealing • Empathy: Everyone has a possible to give people what cost for employers in terms with agitated or disgruntled bad day – your customer they want, when they want of absenteeism, high staff customers. Maintain eye could simply be stressed it. Customers can become turnover, expensive contact when out. Empathising with frustrated or even insurance premiums and communicating. someone is one of the most aggressive and compensation payouts. • Clear Dialogue: Limit the effective means of reducing unfortunately it is often the speed at which you speak aggression retailer who bears the brunt Holywood based company as accent and language can of their short fuses. Quell provide Con lict be barriers to effective For further advice on Management and communication Con lict Management, According to the Trades Workplace Violence training • Information: Often Personal Safety, Lone Union Congress, one in ive to a wide range of customers simply want Working or Dealing with people are attacked or organisations throughout information, so if you have Dif icult & Aggressive abused at work each year. Ireland. ‘We ind that an aggressive or frustrated People you can contact Work related violence has workplace violence is an customer a clear, short Quell on 028 9042 5424 or serious consequences for issue that organisations are explanation can help ease visit their website – both employees and slow to address’ says Quell tension. www.quelltraining.com organisations. Victims can Director Will Holland. • Stance: Body language is suffer from physical injury ‘Many say it will never crucial. When faced with an
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NIIRTA News - December 2010 / January 2011
Newly Elected Ulster Unionist Party Leader Tom Elliott MLA sets out his economic priorities for NIIRTA News
Northern Ireland is facing an incredibly challenging economic outlook. The announcement of the Tom Elliot recently meeting a delegation from NIIRTA, from left Comprehensive Spending Review the Executive con irmed to right Glyn Roberts, NIIRTA CEO, Andrew Porter (NIIRTA what we all knew – there is a price to pay for Labour’s Board Member) Tom Elliot MLA & Neil McRobbie (NIIRTA Board Member) at Parliament Buildings mismanagement of the UK economy. A reduction in revenue spending of 6.9% and capital spending of 37% over four Saving Trust and Marine Renewables Development Fund – it years, although not as bad as some predicted, will have a is of vital importance that local manufacturers and signi icant negative impact on jobs and our local economy. businesses are prepared and able to tap into this funding This comes on top of reduced consumer con idence and stream as early as possible. Northern Ireland is overly falling manufacturing output. While we have received some reliant on expensive and polluting fossil fuels which good news with recent announcements of international increase our energy cost and emissions; however, we have investment and job creation, we have to ensure that they signi icant renewable energy potential which we are are not isolated occurrences. currently not realizing.
The number one immediate priority for the Executive is to The Ulster Unionist Party will continue to push for the agree a budget for Northern Ireland. Whilst decisions will immediate publication of draft PPS 5. This planning policy is be tough, to allow a situation of uncertainty to develop will crucial for the retail sector and the protection of our town further dent the con idence of businesses and consumers, centres. Similarly I welcome the Coalition’s plans to making an exceptionally dif icult situation worse. introduce a Grocery Ombudsman as it will protect farmers and smaller retailers alike. Public procurement must focus Within that budget the Executive must make the protection on the bene its of local produce and business - the of jobs and frontline services its main priorities. This will Department for Finance and Personnel must do more to require action on public sector pay and reform in service ensure that local businesses have the capacity to gain delivery. Facilitating private sector involvement in service regular public procurement contracts. deliver could increase ef iciency, retain jobs and give businesses the capacity to expand into new markets – the I also want encourage people and re lect on the fact that social economy must also form an integral part of any despite the economic situation there are numerous success changes in this direction. Keeping as many people as stories out there. Men and Women are growing businesses possible in jobs will mean that the rest of the economy, and and creating jobs – in my own constituency the wood in particular the retail sector, stays buoyant. product suppliers Balcas is a growing success - politicians must nurture support and develop a can do attitude in The Coalition must publish its proposals on growing Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland’s private sector as a matter of urgency. A reduction in Corporation Tax, whilst not a golden bullet, is Looking at the medium and longer-term we must continue the only lever that has the potential to signi icantly change to invest in skills and education. As western economies our economic trajectory. become to rely more and more on the knowledge economy and niche markets, investing in all levels of education is Small businesses in Northern Ireland are still inding it crucial. As a Government we must ensure that investment in extremely dif icult to secure loans from our local banks. further and higher education is maintained in order to give Whilst I recognize that banks are concentrating on their the people of Northern Ireland the skills needed to lourish balance sheets after a decade of irresponsible lending, our in the global market. economic recovery is reliant on banks lending to businesses with suf icient regularity. I will work with the Coalition to The Executive faces its most dif icult test yet – the next few do all that is possible to increase lending. months will determine whether our political parties have the commitment to ensure that our unique and often cumbersome political structures deliver for the people and We must make the most of the opportunities on offer at a businesses of Northern Ireland. This is a signi icant UK level. The Green Investment Bank is planned to replace challenge but the Ulster Unionist Party is committed to the £2bn a year spent through the Carbon Trust, Energy meeting it head on.
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the global challenge of Mitchel McLaughlin MLA, climate change and the development of the green Sinn Féin Economy economy should be at the heart of our recovery Spokesperson sets out his strategy. Investing in the development of renewable party’s agenda for tackling energy, green infrastructure and energy ef iciency - such as insulating houses - could our economic challenges create thousands of jobs, reduce our carbon The British government economic growth; and - for Sinn Féin is irmly opposed emissions and reduce the would have us believe that the Assembly and Executive to cutting public sector level of fuel poverty in our cuts to public services are to have control over services. The salaries, communities. An based on “economic economic decisions. The expenses and bonuses of environmental levy on necessity”. They are not. proposals are realistic and MLAs and the top layer of plastic bags is a simple and They are part of an have the potential to achieve civil servants should be effective way to reduce ideologically driven broad consensus among reduced. We want to build a waste and to generate campaign by the Tories to other parties and in broader better public service - one revenue for green dismantle the welfare state - society. that is more ef icient and investment. to transfer more wealth accountable. This is why we from the poor to the rich. The document that we have call for the implementation Our paper also outlines the put forward points a clear of the Review of Public need for economic levers to All of the parties in the way forward for minimising Administration (which be transferred to the North Assembly need to send a the negative impact on our would save £400m over 20 and charts the way forward united message to the society of the British years) and the Education for ending the costly British government that the government’s austerity and Skills Authority (which duplication of services people of the North oppose measures and proposed would save £80m over the across the island. The cuts to public services and reduction to the block grant. next four years). Executive and Assembly’s the block grant, and we will It represents a contribution lack of iscal powers resist them. The lesson from to the debate to ind There are other ways to severely restricts our ability around the world is that immediate and viable eliminate waste of public to tackle the crisis. stimulus measures solutions to the major money including reducing (investment) have had some problems being forced upon the use of external We need the necessary success in bringing about the Executive by the British consultants and iring economic levers - for economic recovery - government. unnecessary quangos. Our example, the power to vary austerity measures have had Ministers are currently in the tax rate in order to raise no such success. Indeed It is crucial that we deliver the process of identifying revenue and stimulate many leading economists frontline public services in those relevant to their investment; the power to are warning the British health, education and departments and will be borrow; and the power to government that the cuts transport; invest in capital announcing progress on set the minimum wage and may cause the economy to infrastructure projects; these matters in the near to create a level playing ield plunge back into recession ensure adequate housing future. The majority of our for FDI on the island of and will result in mass for all and end poverty and proposals are focused on Ireland. The devolution of unemployment. disadvantage. investment to create these powers would give the sustainable growth - in Assembly the ability to set Recently Sinn Féin launched Our document points to new indigenous SMEs, social our own economic agenda a document - ‘There is a and alternative sources of enterprises, green and spending priorities, to Better Way’ - which re lects revenue - including technology and tourism target disadvantage and Sinn Féin’s economic innovative taxes and tapping sectors. Sinn Féin has stimulate sustainable proposals : - To defend jobs into existing European proposed that the Executive growth. and frontline services; - To Union funding programmes set up a special investment protect the disadvantaged - as well as outlining ways to fund to support these It is time for the Assembly to and vulnerable; - To minimise wastage of public sectors and utilise more EU set aside petty disagreements promote sustainable money in government. funding. We need to rise to and act collectively.
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NIIRTA News - December 2010 / January 2011
DSD to review Sunday shopping law
Social Development Minister, Alex and going forward. I would like to on Sunday. “Many of these small Attwood has decided to take a fresh look at ways of introducing lexibility stores depend on selling newspapers look at the issues around Sunday around shop opening hours while and other grocery items such as milk shopping. retaining the tradition of Sunday as a and bread on Sunday mornings. Following representations and his family day. I believe a review would These stores are also facing own consideration, the Minister be a timely and balanced way to go signi icant challenges from poor announced the beginning of plans for forward.” Planning policy and expensive costs a review of the current restrictions. “I am keen to hear the views of in complying with the Tobacco Alex Attwood said: “The current everyone in the community on this Display Ban.” restrictions have been in place for subject.’’ “While it is right that the Minister more than 10 years. Consumers now Glyn Roberts NIIRTA Chief Executive reviews these laws, we would ask have greater expectations. Allowing said: “While we are currently him to be mindful of the views and earlier opening on Sundays could consulting our membership on this, concerns of small independent boost the local economy, bene it the NIIRTA does have some concerns retailers and ensure that whatever tourist industry and support that small traders such as changes are made are fair to them” regeneration of town and city newsagents and convenience stores Interested parties should make their centres. This would be very useful in could be adversely affected if the UK views known to the department via the current economic environment multiples are allowed to open all day email: [email protected]
Fire Safety Goes On-Line
Fire Safety Solutions NI is a specialist fire safety company based in Belfast, which aims to provide businesses with a one-stop-solution for all your business fire safety requirements.
The company has developed its on-line ire safety innovative on-line training system. This system takes only management system which has been proven to be an ideal thirty minutes for staff to complete, saving your business tool for single site businesses, but also invaluable for time, the organisational headache and most importantly is businesses with more than one premises. Dave Thompson, extremely cost effective. Fire Safety Director explains “Our ire risk assessment includes the on-line system which makes the management Dave explains “The on-line training solves the problem of of ire safety effortless for the business owner. The report getting all staff together for training courses and downtime includes photographs & plans, explaining action plan points while staff members are away on training courses. Each fully, and our unique control panel makes management of member of staff will simply log on to the system with their due dates for occupier checks, servicing and training & unique code and work through the various ire safety drills simple. Premises are viewable online from any modules on-line. On successful completion of all modules a location ensuring you are always one step ahead with your certi icate will be issued and the business owner will be ire safety.” sent noti ication that the member of staff has completed the course successfully.” This training will ful il the legislative Providing an up to date ire risk assessment is not only a requirement to have ire safety training for all staff at legal obligation, but also a requirement under all induction and periodically thereafter. commercial insurance policies. If you would like information about recent changes in ire safety legislation To take advantage of any of our services or for ire safety and how it affects you why not take advantage of our free advice please contact us now on (028) 90202446 or email: site survey. We will visit your premises, explain the ire of ice@ iresafetysolutionsni.co.uk safety legislation applicable to your business and advise you on the most cost effective solutions to keep your Fire Safety Solutions NI aim to take the hassle out of ire business legally compliant, fully insured and most safety management by combining all areas of ire safety importantly safe from ire. supply, installation and servicing.
As an addition to the traditional ire safety training We will ensure that your company gets ire safety right irst methods Fire Safety Solutions NI have also developed an time and every time...
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Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive of NIIRTA, professional musician Rohan Young, his traditional Swiss 'Hang' instrument (one of three in existence in NI) and Culture Night Belfast Chair Patricia Freedman.
retailers, pubs and between business and the Culture Night is a Big restaurants gained much Arts to boost tourism and needed extra footfall.” our economy as a whole” Boost to Economy “In NIIRTA’s recently Culture Night Belfast Chair, published Manifesto, Patricia Freedman said: Programme for Prosperity, “Culture Night Belfast More efforts should be made to support we outlined our support for brings out thousands of Arts projects such as the recent Belfast more projects of this nature people out for an enjoyable Culture Night. which bring spirit and evening. That’s always great vibrancy to the night time for business. But Culture This year’s Culture Night Reykjavik and Copenhagen. economy - vital components Night is also about thinking attracted over 20,000 in the revitalisation of our way outside the box. Arts people into Belfast city Speaking at a photocall to town and city centres.” organisations and centre and provided a huge, support this year’s Culture “NIIRTA would urge other businesses are putting their unprecedented boost for Night, NIIRTA Chief towns and cities in heads together to invent businesses and creative Executive Glyn Roberts said: Northern Ireland to give new ways of delighting the industries in the area. This “Culture Night is an serious consideration to public - with some amazing year’s expanded format saw excellent example of how running their own version results. even more visitors, families Arts & Culture make a of Culture Night which could As well as being a citywide and tourists locking to the crucial contribution to the help breathe new life into celebration, we hope that city’s of icial cultural boosting of both our day their town centres.” Culture Night demonstrates showcase, putting Belfast time and night time “With the Derry/ an excellent and effective alongside Culture Nights in economies. Last year it Londonderry 2013 bid for working model for business other cities across Ireland attracted over 15,000 extra UK City of Culture being arts partnership that brings and Europe, including people into Belfast City successful, we need to see great rewards to the evening Dublin, Derry, Cork, Centre which meant that more effective partnerships economy of Belfast.”
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Ulster Farmers’ Union President John Thompson highlights the importance and the potential for growth of the agri-food industry in Northern Ireland.
clear to me that the agri- to create up to 15,000 new Northern Ireland’s food industry is an excellent jobs over the period. producers, processors and example of both. retailers to work together, At present, the industry is along with the government, Having a strong and growing responsible for 20% of to ensure that our agri-food He argues that Northern agri-food industry creates private sector employment, industry reaches its Ireland is in a prime position an excellent opportunity for with over 90,000 jobs being potential and becomes a to be a leader in agri-food independent retailers to sustained. It has also traded global leader. and urges Northern Ireland’s plug into the rich source of very strongly during the independent retailers to local producers in Northern recession and currently has It is clear to me that the agri- continue their support of Ireland. By supporting local a turn over of £3.2 billion food industry is a bedrock of local producers. producers, retailers can help annually. The report has Northern Ireland industry to drive local economic con irmed what we already and having a strong industry With the recent activity that creates a ‘win knew, that the agri-food bene its both independent announcement of the UK win’ situation for both sector is a signi icant and retailers and local producers. spending review and retailer and producer. important part of the The NIFDA report reinforces Northern Ireland expected Northern Ireland economy. this and underscores the to save £4bn in the next four A recent report published by The Food 2030 Strategy, importance and potential for years, there is lots of talk the Northern Ireland Food published by the UK growth of the agri-food and speculation about cuts. and Drink Association Government, has also industry in Northern Ireland. In light of this, the UFU has (NIFDA), supports this and recognised the important The UFU is committed to been urging politicians to indicates that there are role of agriculture and the ensuring that the farmers’ think strategically, and major growth opportunities fact that food will have to be role in the industry is valued identify the industries that in the agri-food industry. produced for a growing and respected, as well as are our natural strengths, as global population. working with independent well as continuing to invest There is the potential to retailers to encourage their in the industries that have grow agri-food sales by 40% This presents an continued support of local the potential for growth. It is over the next ten years and opportunity for the producers.
NIIRTA & UFU Delegations at a recent meeting
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NIIRTA News - December 2010 / January 2011
Northern Ireland Business Unite to Call for Local Corporation Tax Powers
For irst time ever a broad NI Food and Drink coalition of seven leading Association in a joint business organisations have statement said: issued a joint open letter to “As the uni ied Northern every MLA, Northern Ireland Ireland business voice we East Park, Shannon MP & the Secretary of State are writing this open letter for Northern Ireland calling to call for corporation tax compared to our nearest Reform Group calculates for Corporation Tax to be (CT) to be devolved to the neighbours the Republic of that a reduction in CT to a devolved to the Northern Northern Ireland Assembly. Ireland (RoI). Northern level comparable to that in Ireland Assembly. We very much welcome the Ireland is crying out for a RoI would raise overall tax commitment in the step change in how we revenues in NI and that both The coalition includes CBI coalition’s Programme for attract inward investment Northern Ireland and UK NI, IoD NI, NI Chamber of Government, to produce a and stimulate local Treasury would gain. The Commerce, Centre for paper examining the entrepreneurship. group estimates a low and Competiveness, Northern potential mechanisms for competitive CT rate will Ireland Independent Retail changing the corporate tax “Reduced CT is the catalyst create around 90,000 jobs Trade Association, Northern rate in Northern Ireland. to attract overseas business over 20 years paying above Ireland Food & Drink to Northern Ireland and to average salaries. Association and Momentum. “We believe that a reduction stimulate investment, and in CT is the fastest way to increase GVA per capita, “Addition Foreign Direct In addition to the joint call rebalance and grow the NI exports, pre-tax pro its and Investment would directly on Corporation Tax, the economy and create jobs; employment. While reduced support existing small seven business groups are without this reform the NI CT will be the ‘game businesses in relation to also preparing for the irst economy will continue to be changer’ in terms of them providing more goods time ever a joint manifesto untenable and over- attracting investment and services and generate ahead of next year’s dependent on tax-payers in interest, we recognise that it increased spending from Assembly Elections. GB. is not a panacea and should better salaries in the local be supported with other economy which will also Terence Brannigan, “Despite decades of massive incentives such as R&D and strengthen other sectors Chairman, CBI Northern injections of public money, IP tax breaks, as well as including our local retail and Ireland; Joanne Stuart, Chair, NI remains the UK’s poorest aligning our skills base with food sector. Institute of Directors NI; region. The situation is set to investors needs. In short, we Glyn Roberts, Chief worsen with unprecedented need to be able to tailor the “We believe that reduced Executive, Northern Ireland public sector spending cuts region’s incentives to match corporation tax (CT) is the Independent Retail Trade and imminent changes in EU the changing needs of fastest and best way to bring Association; Bob Barbour, rules limiting the payment investors and business. lasting well paid jobs to Chief Executive, Centre for of grants to attract Northern Ireland. We Competitiveness; Francis companies to locate in “While it is important to implore you to now take the Martin, President Northern Northern Ireland. The understand the cost of these necessary steps to introduce Ireland Chamber of indigenous private sector is measures and their effect, it these powers for Northern Commerce; Ian Graham, too small to compensate. is just as important to Ireland so that we can begin Chief Executive, Momentum Our record of attracting understand the bene its. The to pay our way.” and Tony O’Neill Chairman, overseas investment is poor Northern Ireland Economic
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NIIRTA News - December 2010 / January 2011
NIE Energy launches LED lighting grant for local businesses NIE Energy is offering assistance to local and look forward to seeing these savings grow with the help of businesses to make the switch to energy our LED scheme. The savings that can be made by switching to ef icient LED (light-emitting diodes) this type of lighting are considerable, with quality LED bulbs lighting. Funded by the Northern Ireland now on the market providing a very high standard of Sustainable Energy Programme this performance. scheme is designed to help local businesses cut costs by reducing their energy bills and “Making the switch to energy ef icient lighting and taking provide the inancial support necessary to advantage of the help available to do so represents an make the switch to LED lighting. opportunity to make signi icant cuts to overheads that can be sustained for the future. I would encourage any local irm that is Luxury hotel group Hastings are already looking interested in the scheme to get in touch and apply for funding”. forward to a 60% reduction in lighting bills thanks to the introduction of LED Lighting. They are the irst customer to NIE Energy also have grants of up to £10,000 towards the cost of bene it from the NIE Energy grant and will use it to help with installing Variable Speed Drives (VSD). Any local business that the cost of installing more LED lighting throughout its seven uses motors for ventilation, water circulation and air hotels in Northern Ireland. Once the project is complete the compressors can make considerable energy savings by installing hotel group is set to see its lighting expenditure reduced by a VSD. approximately 60%, with overall electricity bills already down by 20% since work started earlier this year. Businesses wishing to apply for a grant from NIE Energy to help towards installing LED lighting or Variable Speed Drives should Claire Carson of NIE Energy said: “LEDs use a fraction of the visit www.nieenergy.co.uk. energy of traditional light sources and will last for longer. We are delighted with the results that Hastings has achieved so far Grants are available on a irst come, irst served basis. Magherafelt Traders & Residents Welcome Council Rejection of Hypermarket
Following a joint welcome this vote by presentation by local Magherafelt Council to members of the Northern reject this out of town Ireland Independent Retail hypermarket which would Trade Association and cause considerable harm to Magherafelt Residents both the town centre and a Magherafelt Traders and Residents meet with Environment Association to Magherafelt major residential area” Minister Edwin Poots MLA & Ian McCrea MLA at Stormont District Council, both groups “Given that local traders, have welcomed the Council’s residents and now “As we said to Councillors deserve considerable credit vote to reject the 70,000sq ft Magherafelt Council have all we would welcome a for this decision to stand up out of town hypermarket on now rejected this proposed multiple supermarket to the for their town centre- they the Moneymore Road in the hypermarket, the Conway town centre but not in an have shown real leadership. district. Group should withdraw out of town location which This is in stark contrast to their application.” would threatens local jobs, Derry City Council which is Paul Stewart who is NIIRTA “Our objections to this small businesses and the enthusiastically supporting President and also a local application have nothing to viability of the town centre.” out of town locations for trader and John Clayton, do with being afraid of hypermarkets even though spokesperson for the competition nor a ‘not in Glyn Roberts, NIIRTA Chief they will destroy local small Magherafelt Residents said our backyard’ approach, but Executive who also was businesses and displace or in a joint statement: because it is completely out involved in the presentation destroy jobs in their own “Both our organisations of character with the town.” said: “Magherafelt Council city centre.”
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Being a responsible citizen in your community
Whether a local corner shop or a national supermarket chain, retailers, large and small, are integral to the community in Volunteering - NIIRTA members providing a make-over at Northern Ireland. Cloughmills Community Association
As such people in the schools who are struggling number of employers use is a membership community rightly have an with literacy or don’t have this type of volunteering to organisation for successful expectation that they will much educational support at demonstrate their companies committed to act in a responsible manner home. responsibility. responsible business, and contribute value to “Retailers have the ability to encouraging them to be a society beyond the selling of “They are ideally situated to in luence and indeed create force for good in society goods. make strong initiatives which encourage We have a core membership business/education links. the community to become of 800+ companies Retailers are being Teachers, parents and more aware of taking care of throughout the UK, encouraged to look carefully students are all customers the planet. By promoting including 80% of the FTSE at how they impact their and so they have an recycling and working with 100. Almost 240 of these own people, the planet and advantage that many other transport providers, companies are members in the place in which they businesses don’t have. They retailers are able to Northern Ireland. operate by the organisation are able to work with, positively impact the The President of Business in which stands for responsible in luence and meet face to environment.” the Community is HRH The business, Business in the face with a range of Prince of Wales and the Community. stakeholders on many But more can be done. Chair of the Northern different levels. Some Business in the Community Ireland Board is Paul “We are delighted to say that retailers are strengthening is encouraging all retailers, Rooney, Partner, many of our member their links with education whatever their size, to get PricewaterhouseCoopers. organisations who operate and getting involved in involved and increase their Mark Price, Managing in the retail sector are giving careers talks or responsibility. In light of the Director of Waitrose is the demonstrating great providing inspirational current economic climate, national Chair of Business in commitment to their local workplace visits. inancial hand outs to the the Community. communities,” explains community and voluntary We provide advice, support Kieran Harding, Managing “Others sign up for action sector are understandably and opportunities for Director, Business in the days, gathering a team or dif icult to accommodate, engagement under our three Community. “And it’s not allowing individuals to work but giving of time, energy core themes – PEOPLE, complicated for businesses with other business people and passion and being PLANET and PLACE. in the retail sector to make a for a day to complete a dedicated to do something huge difference. Some are challenge at a community or positive is achievable for any committed to releasing voluntary organisation. It size of organisation. For further members of staff for one might be painting, gardening Business in the Community information visit: hour a week to read with or providing digital (BITC) stands for www.bitcni.org.uk children in local primary inclusion skills and a great responsible business and
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improving business performance. “A key factor in the success of Foundation Degrees is that employers work closely with colleges and universities in designing the course content, thus ensuring that the programmes address sector skills gaps and are completely relevant to employer needs. Our Advisory Panel will be provide fdf with an employer perspective” “Foundation Degrees are playing a vital role in upskilling the Northern Ireland workforce, offering an exciting and innovative route to a university degree which focuses on applied learning and technical skills development in the workplace. There are now over 70 Foundation Degrees programmes available in Northern Ireland, involving over 2,000 learners, in areas such as Retail, ICT and Hospitality and Tourism, with a programme for Engineering Manufacturing in development.”
Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association, commented: “There Business Chiefs Sign is no doubt that more and more employers are beginning to realise the value which Foundation Degree graduates can Up For fdf bring to their workplace. The opportunity for employees to increase their skills set through a Foundation Degree is one which employers should not ignore – the future prosperity Advisory Panel launched to drive of their business could be signi icantly enhanced by an success of Foundation Degrees employee enrolling on a programme. “For a long time there was a feeling that areas such as Retail Three key members of Northern Ireland’s business were the ‘bargain basement’ of the business skills sets but community have given their backing to Foundation Degrees this is certainly no longer the case. Some great work has by pledging to provide their industry insight into how already been carried out in the development of Foundation Foundation Degrees can further meet the higher level skills Degree courses, myself and the other members of the panel needs of employers. will do all we can to provide a sounding board and advice Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland on employer engagement and growing employer led Independent Retail Trade Association, Ciaran Sheehan, programmes.” Partner of Clarendon Recruitment, and Oonagh O’Reilly, Following the launch, the Advisory Panel will meet with fdf Business Development Director of the Northern Ireland on a quarterly basis. For more information on Foundation Chamber of Commerce, have come together to form a Degree courses available, contact your local regional college Foundation Degree Advisory Panel. It is likely that they will or call fdf on 028 9044 7713. be joined by further members of the business community going forward. About fdf fdf is funded by the Department for Employment and The panel was launched today by fdf (Foundation Degree Learning (DEL) in Northern Ireland Forward). fdf is an organisation supported by the A central element of fdf (Foundation Degree Forward) is to Department for Employment and Learning which aims to support diversity in Higher Education in terms of stimulate, support and sustain closer working partnerships opportunities for people. between employers and higher education which are Mission Statement: To meet the demands of workforce mutually bene icial and meet the demands of the knowledge development, business improvement and the knowledge economy. economy, fdf will seek to stimulate, support and sustain Speaking at the launch of the panel, Thérèse Rogan, NI employer partnerships with higher education. Regional Director at fdf, said: “The establishment of this Advisory Panel is a major coup for fdf and we are extremely fdf was established in Northern Ireland in 2007 appreciative of Glyn, Ciaran and Oonagh for coming on There are currently over 70 Foundation Degrees available in board. Having access to such a depth of business knowledge Northern Ireland, with 5 new courses in development. The will provide us with the employer voice as we seek to six new colleges are collectively delivering the degrees. develop innovative approaches to the development of In recent years the largest number of courses has been in lexible work based Foundation Degrees that are aimed at Construction, followed by Hospitality and Tourism.
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Spanish pavement café Attwood launches proposals to improve Northern Ireland’s town centres
Social Development Minister pavement cafés will assist already proved successful in have long campaigned for Alex Attwood launched, for the development of a café the South of Ireland, Britain this legislation to be brought public consultation, culture with the aim of and USA”. forward.” proposals for the encouraging visitors to “BIDs will allow retailers an introduction of Business spend longer in town “I am keen to hear from a opportunity to help Improvement Districts centres. The proposed wide range of stakeholders contribute to making their (BIDs) and licensing of legislation would give and members of the public local town centres more pavement cafés. district councils the power and would encourage people attractive to shoppers and to to promote pavement cafés to read the detail of the increase footfall.” Business Improvement in their area. The scheme proposals and share their Districts (BIDs) allow would apply to the owners views. We must focus our The consultation period on businesses to decide on the of relevant businesses such efforts on supporting town proposals for Business services they want to invest as cafés, restaurants, hotels centres in order to be best Improvement Districts and in to improve their trading and pubs. placed to recover from the Licensing of pavement cafés environment and attract current economic will run until 28 February footfall and more Alex Attwood said: “Both of downturn.” 2011. investment. The sorts of these initiatives are aimed at Glyn Roberts NIIRTA Chief services they can improve helping local businesses and Executive said: “This is A copy of the consultation include security, street district councils to work clearly good news as NIIRTA document can be found in cleaning and even new together to attract custom to along with our colleagues in the consultation area of the Christmas lighting. their commercial areas. the Association of Town DSD website - Proposals to licence These types of models have Centre Management (ATCM) http://www.dsdni.gov.uk.
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representatives of DARD, • Help NI food and drink NIFDA Launch DETI, Invest NI, NIFDA add value through and the UFU in order to supporting innovation in Roadmap to Creation draw up a ‘roadmap’ for new products and the future growth of the developing new sector. This initiative processes to boost farm of 15,000 New Jobs in should be outcome and factory productivity. focused, with the Agri-Food Sector indings then to be NIFDA’s Executive Director adopted by the Executive said that the plans to rapidly NIFDA, the Northern Ireland Food and as a centre piece of its grow the sector were Drink Association has launched its economic strategy. serious and realistic. He added that NIFDA would manifesto for next year’s Assembly elections, • Support the creation of now be taking its lobbying proposing a plan for the creation of 15,000 sustainable jobs, campaign out across new jobs in the agri-food sector. The including the Northern Ireland, manifesto, which outlines a series of establishment of ring fenced funding to “We will now begin an measures designed to grow the sector accelerate added value, exercise in meeting as many strongly asserts that Northern Ireland is export led, and MLAs as possible as we ‘good at food and drink’! sustainable food believe that we can create production. jobs in every town, village The launch of the manifesto properly and encouraged and city in Northern Ireland. comes after a sustained will build a signi icant Agri- • Remove barriers to Action is required now; period of lobbying on behalf Food industry for the twenty growth including easing standing still is not an of the sector, highlighting irst century in Northern the cost of regulatory option. Our nearest how agri-food has turned Ireland. This will bring our burden and prioritising competitors in the Irish over £3.2 billion in the last children the security and the economic case of Republic and Scotland have year, employing 20,000 prosperity they need. We are planning applications – already committed people directly and good at food and drink.” planning needs to be signi icant resources into supporting 72,000 more in faster. the growth of their agri-food farming and support The manifesto outlines the sectors. Recent services. The document following actions; • Encourage green developments in the Irish highlights how from 2007 to competitiveness through economy will clearly result 2009 it grew its turnover by • Prioritise agri food supporting micro- in added momentum in the £429 million, and argues through working with generation, developing drive to achieve growth. that the NI agri-food sector the main stakeholders in the gas pipeline and Their success will only has shown the tenacity grow the sector including cutting electricity costs. threaten our future.” in the most dif icult economic climate for many years.
Speaking at the document’s launch, Tony O’Neill, chairman of NIFDA said that the sector can now enter a period of sustainable growth, if all of the relevant stakeholders can come together, “I am convinced that there is a huge Assembly Agriculture Committee Chairman Stephen Moutray MLA, Assembly Enterprise Committee Chairman Alban Maginnis MLA with NIFDA Chairman Tony O’Neill launching untapped pool of talent and the manifesto at Stormont. energy, which if resourced
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NIIRTA News - December 2010 / January 2011
Christmas ATM reminder By Detective Inspector David Connery, PSNI Crime Prevention Officer
Police want all retailers to enjoy a open when the premises are non- successful Christmas and we want to It’s the busiest time of year operational. do everything in our power to reduce for retailers across Northern • Replace cash into the ATM with the the risks you are exposed to and to premises locked and customers make you aware of the steps you Ireland but unfortunately, excluded prior to opening for the should take to protect yourselves and this also means it is one of next period of trading. your businesses. the busiest times of year • Place notices prominently around for criminals. the perimeter of the premises and Thankfully, the number of thefts of on the ATM stating that the ATM ATMs has decreased substantially. In holds no cash when the premises the period Jan-November last year Cash Removal and Replenishment are non-operational. there were 17 thefts; in the same for Merchant Fill ATMs • Keys to the ATM should not be held period this year there have been three. • Fill the ATM with cash suf icient for on the premises when the store is one day/session trading only. operational. At the very least they That’s still three too many but it’s an • Remove cash from the ATM at the should be stored in a time delay indication of how a combination of end of trading to a safe of adequate safe with an adequate time period preventative and investigative security quality sited within the programmed, at least 30 minutes. measures adopted by police working in premises. This safe should be time partnership with the business locked to ensure against potential Cash Removal and Replenishment community is reducing the risk. ‘Tiger Kidnap’ situations. This for CIT Fill ATMs should be done with the premises • It is considered good practice that If you want to make sure your risks are locked and customers excluded. wherever possible the premises kept to a minimum, please follow this • Leave the door to the ATM and should be locked and customers advice: security container (safe) inside it excluded during replenishment.
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NIIRTA News - December 2010 / January 2011 NIIRTA Benefits of Membership
Do you have a News Story? Contact NIIRTA with the details and we’ll cover it if we can! What is NIIRTA? It’s not just a lobbying body – it’s a trade association with an excellent range of services and benefits available to members. What can NIIRTA do for you? NIIRTA can provide retailers with advice on a whole range of issues – from rates reductions and car parking to crime prevention and legislation information. Here’s a list of what’s on offer from NIIRTA... NIIRTA News – a regular update on issues affecting you! Public Affairs – NIIRTA is the voice at Government level on all • Vary the time of Cash delivery. available on the premises to allow issues affecting your business • The Cash delivery schedule must be on access to the contents of the ATM. NIIRTA Advice Helpline a ‘need to know’ basis only and details 028 9022 0004 – Available 9.00-5.00 – Monday to Friday – only released at the latest possible Safe for specific advice on time prior to CIT arrival. • The security provided by the security employment and other issues. container (safe) inside the ATM should HCMA – a sickness and injury Servicing of ATMs be to a level commensurate with that scheme similar to BUPA – • In the event of an ATM needing to be required for the value of cash contact NIIRTA for details or telephone 01423 866985 (and serviced, it is considered good practice contained therein. Reference should be quote NIIRTA). that when cash needs to be removed made to the relevant BS/EN Willis Insurance – Property from the ATM it is removed from and Performance Test Standards. insurance at competitive rates – subsequently replaced into the ATM Contact NIIRTA or Ian McClure with the premises locked and Intruder Alarm System at Willis Insurance – 028 9089 5068 and mobile 07961 453303 customers excluded. • The premises should be protected by Willis Insurance Brokers – • The cash should be temporarily an intruder alarm system with Contact NIIRTA or David transferred to a locked safe of monitored remote signalling to an Dempster at Willis Insurance – adequate security quality for the risk Alarm Receiving Centre to a security 028 9032 9042 or email: involved whilst the service is being level commensurate with the risk level. [email protected] undertaken. The system should qualify for Level 1 Vehicle Leasing – Fleet Financial are offering members police response. If it is a “con irmable” vehicle leasing with 18 per cent Key Security alarm system, a dual signalling facility discount – contact Fleet • Where a CIT Fill ATM is installed, signs should be provided. Financial or NIIRTA should be prominently displayed on • It is recommended that all ATMs are XACT – Health & Safety/Food the ATM and within the premises to individually alarmed separately and Management System available at competitive rates – ‘No the effect that there are no keys additionally to the premises. Obligation’ audit facility available to NIIRTA members. Contact Xact on 0845 665 3006. Crime Prevention advice is also available on our website at: Follow us on www.psni.police.uk/index/crime-prevention/business-safety.htm. Facebook and Twitter
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“At the meeting NIIRTA outlined its policy priorities from its Economic Advisory recently published ‘Programme For Prosperity’ document to kick start the economy. The time for talking about the Group engages with economy is over-the time for radical action is now.” Dates of EAG meetings as well as background information local stakeholders on the work of the Group are available from: http://www.eagni.com. Minutes of all EAG meetings will be The Economic Advisory Group published on the Group’s website once agreed by EAG members. Papers for meetings are also available on request. (EAG) met recently with a wide range of stakeholders to discuss Attendees at the EAG stakeholder event included: Business Alliance: the local economy. Terence Brannigan (CBI); Joanne Stuart (IoD); Bob Barbour (Centre for Competitiveness); The Group is seeking the views of stakeholders on how the Francis Martin (NICC). Northern Ireland economy can be further developed and, in Small Business: particular, how the short-term and longer-term challenges Roger Pollen (FSB) facing the economy can be addressed. Voluntary and Community Sector: Seamus McAleavey, Bob Stronge (NICVA) The Chair of EAG, Kate Barker said: “It’s important for the EAG to meet with a wide range of stakeholders, and to hear Tourism: their views on the issues facing the Northern Ireland Alan Clarke (NITB); Shane Clarke (Tourism Ireland) economy. Their views will be invaluable in informing the Education: Group’s irst annual review of the Northern Ireland Malachy McAleer (Southwest College); economy in early 2011.” Norman Black (UU); Peter Gregson (QUB) Trade Unions: Attending the stakeholder meeting were representatives Peter Bunting (ICTUNI); Patricia McKeown (UNISON) from the business community, trade unions, the voluntary Food sector: and community sector, education, tourism, local Trevor Lockhart (Fane Valley); government and retail. Tony O’Neill (O’Kane Poultry) This engagement with stakeholders was one of the irst in a Local Government: series of similar meetings to be convened by EAG on a John McGrillen (Belfast City Council) regular basis. At the Group’s third meeting with the Retail: Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster, members provided an Glyn Roberts (NIIRTA) update on progress with their substantive work programme. This included their recent engagement with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State Owen Paterson on the UK Government’s consultation report into rebalancing the local economy, due for publication next month.
The Group will be focussing on responding to that consultation report, as well as responding to both the Executive’s draft budget and the initial consultation document on the new Economic Strategy, all of which will inform their irst report on the economy in 2011.
Glyn Roberts NIIRTA Chief Executive who attended the meeting said: “This was a very valuable exercise which
enabled nearly every sector of the economy to put forward Business Sector, Trade Unions and other Stakeholder their thinking on how to meet the growing economic organisations meeting with the Economic Advisory Group at the challenges.” Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment