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The final word


Political attention to retail I


ʼm impressed with Murphyʼs Butchers on the Lisburn Road in Belfast. It is the place to meet for meat. They just seem to get it right. Big sporting occasions give them a chance to get the BBQ out, sell a few burgers, paint the shop front window and have a decent bit of craic with the regulars. Apart from sizzling beef, it gives off the scent of success.


But the thing is, I donʼt know how healthy the companyʼs balance sheet looks, but I suspect they are doing ok. Their marketing techniques, use of social media and how they engage with customers means that I go back on a regular basis. But this is an exception, not the norm.


A number of government ministers have intervened recently across a range of issues to try and address problems within the retail sector here. Not a week goes by without the political fraternity or the media getting involved incar parking charges; significant planning applications; how much we might charge for a plastic bag; and if we can put tables and chairs outside coffee shops. So what are these policy initiatives, early pieces of legislation and ministerial directives that are currently in the sausage machine?


Environment


The Environment minister, Alex Attwood has set out that he wants wider debate on the future of town centres in the North and matters relating to their ʻvitality and viability.ʼ He revealed that it is his “ambition to bring about a new Planning Policy Statement (PPS) to cover these issues”.


In addition, Attwood has outlined that the monitoring of the retail situation will be handled through a new “plan‑led development system which requires town councils to report annually on how their retail objectives are being achieved”.


Social Development


There is also a fair bit of activity going on at the Department of Social Development in terms of cafe culture and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs).


Both could create opportunity to increase footfall and drastically improve the aesthetics of many of our towns across Northern Ireland. Under a new licensing scheme that is being introduced by the department, cafe, restaurant and bar owners will be able to seek permission to place tables and chairs on the footwaysof their outlets for use by their customers.


Minister McCausland is right in saying that “well designed sensibly located pavement cafes can add value to the street scene, boost visitor numbers and contribute to the economic and general well‑being of local communities”.


It is expected that draft legislation will be brought before the Assembly in the autumn


by Chris Brown, client director, MCE Public Relations.


and Councils will be given powers to enforce the new law.


Business Improvement Districts Business Improvement Districts are often regarded as an additional ʻtaxʼ on local retailers and feedback during the consultative phase has been less than impressive. They work well in parts of England and it would be great to see some pilot projects rolled out here.


This would mean a levy inline with the rateable value of a buildingpaid into a fund which goes towardsthe general upkeep, marketing and improved local services for a particular area. It is one way, I believe, that retailers can empower themselves to market specific locations to attract customers and invigorate town centres.


Retail ʻCzarʼMary Portas has also caught the eye of the Minister with her recent report on practical solutions to revitalise town centres. Although the recommendations have no impact here due to devolution, the minister has tasked his very own policy wonks to come up with something similar.


I suspect that we will see recognisable themes in the report back to the minister which is due to be published before the summer.


Finance and Personnel


One blunt instrument that has recently become lawbrought forward by Sammy Wilson, minister for Finance and Personnel, is the extension of the Small Business Rates Relief Scheme to offset rates in said sector in


Northern Ireland. Dubbed the ʻTesco Taxʼ it has a sunset clause that sees it time out in three years.


We need progressive policies that enable the sector to be creative in how they attract and sell to customers.


We donʼt want to scare off the multiple retailers as they are the companies that provide millions of pounds worth of investment and many thousands of jobs. We want them to continue to invest more, provide more jobs and stock more locally sourced products.


At a recent event Environment minister Attwood said that he intends to make a statement to the Assembly before the summer on the planning and retail environment in Northern Ireland. I suspect it will be along the lines of how he sees the various elements of retail co‑existence in the medium to long term. It will be worth a listen. Enjoy your summer.


Connect with Chris: Twitter: @CB̲PRandPA LinkedIn: Chris Brown Pinterest: CBPublicAffairs Email: chrisbrown@mcepublicrelations.com


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