Menu
23/06/2010
Smaller Traders Want National Debt 'Paid'
Most of Northern Ireland's smaller businesses (SMEs) support deficit reduction plans, a survey has found.
As details of the UK's Emergency Budget were being digested this week, it has emerged that over three quarters of NI's smaller firms support rapid moves to pay off the national debt.
In a survey carried out by the Forum of Private Business, 76% of Northern Ireland's small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) said reducing the deficit should be the new Government's main priority.
By comparison, only 40% said that fairer taxes should be the priority and just 23% called for the skills of the unemployed to be improved.
However, NI's SMEs appear to be especially keen to see stronger regulation of the banks and utility companies.
A sizeable 70% of business owners in Northern Ireland said the new Government should make this a priority, compared to 62% of firms across the wider UK.
Other popular priorities for the Government among Northern Irish firms included fewer regulatory changes (60%), simplification of the tax system (57%) and the creation of a better environment for business investment (52%).
Forum of Private Business Research Manager Thomas Parry said: "It appears that, like their counterparts elsewhere, Northern Ireland's smaller businesses are keen to see the UK's deficit brought under control.
"Business owners have plenty of experience of managing their own budgets of course, so they know how costly borrowing can be."
When asked which areas they wanted to see improved locally, reducing local taxation emerged as the most popular choice, finding favour with 42% of respondents.
This was followed by parking and transport issues, on 39%, ahead of improving local business support services on 37%.
Meanwhile, almost a third (30%) of Forum members in Northern Ireland said they wanted to see improvements made to their local area's image.
The figures emerged in the Forum's quarterly Referendum ballot, which was sent out to members just before the general election.
See: SMEs Back Budget Pledges
(BMcC/GK)
As details of the UK's Emergency Budget were being digested this week, it has emerged that over three quarters of NI's smaller firms support rapid moves to pay off the national debt.
In a survey carried out by the Forum of Private Business, 76% of Northern Ireland's small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) said reducing the deficit should be the new Government's main priority.
By comparison, only 40% said that fairer taxes should be the priority and just 23% called for the skills of the unemployed to be improved.
However, NI's SMEs appear to be especially keen to see stronger regulation of the banks and utility companies.
A sizeable 70% of business owners in Northern Ireland said the new Government should make this a priority, compared to 62% of firms across the wider UK.
Other popular priorities for the Government among Northern Irish firms included fewer regulatory changes (60%), simplification of the tax system (57%) and the creation of a better environment for business investment (52%).
Forum of Private Business Research Manager Thomas Parry said: "It appears that, like their counterparts elsewhere, Northern Ireland's smaller businesses are keen to see the UK's deficit brought under control.
"Business owners have plenty of experience of managing their own budgets of course, so they know how costly borrowing can be."
When asked which areas they wanted to see improved locally, reducing local taxation emerged as the most popular choice, finding favour with 42% of respondents.
This was followed by parking and transport issues, on 39%, ahead of improving local business support services on 37%.
Meanwhile, almost a third (30%) of Forum members in Northern Ireland said they wanted to see improvements made to their local area's image.
The figures emerged in the Forum's quarterly Referendum ballot, which was sent out to members just before the general election.
See: SMEs Back Budget Pledges
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 May 2004
Online resource offers help with 'green' business regulations
A new website aimed at helping small businesses in Northern Ireland understand the environmental legislation affecting their work has been launched. NetRegs - www.netregs.gov.
Online resource offers help with 'green' business regulations
A new website aimed at helping small businesses in Northern Ireland understand the environmental legislation affecting their work has been launched. NetRegs - www.netregs.gov.
09 July 2001
BELFAST FIRST STOP BUSINESS SHOP SHORTLISTED FOR BUSINESS AWARD
BELFAST First Stop Business Shop has been shortlisted for the Northern Ireland final of the One 2 One Best for Business award. The company is set to compete against three other projects to be recognised as the most enterprising and effective initiative helping new and growing businesses throughout the province.
BELFAST FIRST STOP BUSINESS SHOP SHORTLISTED FOR BUSINESS AWARD
BELFAST First Stop Business Shop has been shortlisted for the Northern Ireland final of the One 2 One Best for Business award. The company is set to compete against three other projects to be recognised as the most enterprising and effective initiative helping new and growing businesses throughout the province.
04 December 2023
New £7.5m Digital Transformation Fund Launches
A new £7.5 million fund has been announced to support small and micro businesses and social enterprises across Belfast and Northern Ireland to accelerate their digital transformation ambitions.
New £7.5m Digital Transformation Fund Launches
A new £7.5 million fund has been announced to support small and micro businesses and social enterprises across Belfast and Northern Ireland to accelerate their digital transformation ambitions.
22 October 2014
Half of Govt Contracts Secured By Small Businesses
More than half of Government contracts in Northern Ireland have been won by small businesses, it has been announced. The figures were revealed by Finance Minister Simon Hamilton as he spoke to over 650 suppliers at the annual InterTradeIreland (ITI) 'Meet The Buyer' event in Belfast today.
Half of Govt Contracts Secured By Small Businesses
More than half of Government contracts in Northern Ireland have been won by small businesses, it has been announced. The figures were revealed by Finance Minister Simon Hamilton as he spoke to over 650 suppliers at the annual InterTradeIreland (ITI) 'Meet The Buyer' event in Belfast today.
15 October 2014
DEL Launches 'Connected' Phase 3
The third phase of the Department for Employment and Learning’s 'Connected' programme has been launched today. Funded by the Department, Connected is delivered by Queen’s University, the University of Ulster and the six further education (FE) colleges. The scheme aims to assist businesses improve performance by providing access to support services.
DEL Launches 'Connected' Phase 3
The third phase of the Department for Employment and Learning’s 'Connected' programme has been launched today. Funded by the Department, Connected is delivered by Queen’s University, the University of Ulster and the six further education (FE) colleges. The scheme aims to assist businesses improve performance by providing access to support services.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
