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02/02/2006
Small businesses in NI hit by 'extortion'
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called for urgent steps to tackle the problem of organised crime in its evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee at Westminster.
A recent FSB survey indicated that around 6% of businesses are affected by "illegal donations." A finding that suggests up to 4,000 businesses could be affected.
Speaking to the Committee, Wilfred Mitchell, FSB Policy Chairman said: “We recognise that the Organised Crime Task Force has had a measure of initial success. However, more can be done at a grass-root level.
“There has never been a serious attempt by government to fully identify the core problem and find a solution to the extortion of the SME sector.
“Northern Ireland is dependent upon the SME sector and the FSB can demonstrate through research that illegal donations are a hidden cost of doing business."
The FSB’s submission focused on extortion and racketeering by paramilitaries and illegal organisations at a local level throughout Northern Ireland.
The FSB called for further research into the cost and impact of racketeering and extortion on small businesses and the wider economy to be commissioned.
The Confederation of British Industry in its submission said that some companies in the construction sector were paying up to £30,000 in "protection money."
The FSB, the CBI and the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce all recently joined the Organised Crime Task Force, chaired by Security Minister Sean Woodward.
The Minister welcomed the three business organisations contribution to tackling organised crime in Northern Ireland.
(SP)
A recent FSB survey indicated that around 6% of businesses are affected by "illegal donations." A finding that suggests up to 4,000 businesses could be affected.
Speaking to the Committee, Wilfred Mitchell, FSB Policy Chairman said: “We recognise that the Organised Crime Task Force has had a measure of initial success. However, more can be done at a grass-root level.
“There has never been a serious attempt by government to fully identify the core problem and find a solution to the extortion of the SME sector.
“Northern Ireland is dependent upon the SME sector and the FSB can demonstrate through research that illegal donations are a hidden cost of doing business."
The FSB’s submission focused on extortion and racketeering by paramilitaries and illegal organisations at a local level throughout Northern Ireland.
The FSB called for further research into the cost and impact of racketeering and extortion on small businesses and the wider economy to be commissioned.
The Confederation of British Industry in its submission said that some companies in the construction sector were paying up to £30,000 in "protection money."
The FSB, the CBI and the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce all recently joined the Organised Crime Task Force, chaired by Security Minister Sean Woodward.
The Minister welcomed the three business organisations contribution to tackling organised crime in Northern Ireland.
(SP)
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