Simon Hamilton tells Stormont that it ‘must focus on the future of retail’

Speaking after giving evidence to the Economy Committee, Mr Hamilton said:“Belfast Chamber’s message to our MLAs at Stormont is clear. We know that our elected representatives value the retail sector. We have seen huge interventions to support businesses during this crisis that have been of huge assistance to many. What retail now needs is to focus on the future and Belfast Chamber urges Stormont to consider how it can help the sector not just in the long term.

“That will require not just financial support but also a redoubling of efforts to improve accessibility and also revitalise the physical infrastructure of our city centres and high streets. Clearly, renewing retail post-Covid-19 will require a cross-departmental effort and Belfast Chamber would urge ministers to consider how they can best coordinate that essential work”.

In conclusion, Mr Hamilton also spelt out the need to give the hospitality, leisure and tourism sector a reopening date.

“Alongside retail, the hospitality, leisure and tourism sector has been bearing the brunt of the coronavirus pandemic.

“The setting of a date for hotels to reopen on July 20 is welcome but with the Republic of Ireland bringing forward their restart date, it is important that our sector doesn’t fall behind.

“The future success of our city centres and high streets will very much be based on experiences and hospitality, leisure and tourism is key.”