Following the shock announcement last night that a new lockdown is to be imposed across wide swathes of the economy, FSB NI has put together a series of initiatives to help SMEs and has called on MLAs to play their part.
Responding to the intense restrictions that were announced overnight, FSB NI Head of External Affairs, Roger Pollen, said
“We have written to all MLAs to set out three initiatives FSB is implementing to support SMEs in these extraordinary times, and seek their active support. We continue to urge everyone to ‘Shop small, buy local’ in the run up to Christmas. This has never been more important, given the massive restrictions that have been placed on local businesses, whilst their international online competitors continue unhindered.
“To help level the playing field we are undertaking a number of initiatives between now and Christmas. “The first is to help local businesses to start or to develop their own online platforms, so on Thursday we will be hosting a free webinar led by Matt Stevenson from Support Local NI which will be open to all SMEs - FSB members and non-members alike. We will also be developing a range of other seminars and advice clinics to help businesses start trading online, or enhance and boost their existing presence.
“The second initiative is that we intend to press ahead with ‘FSB Festive Fortnight’ campaign, deferring it by two weeks so the focus will be on the two weeks starting 11 December when the restrictions are due to ease. We have called on MLAs to join in the promotion by championing businesses in their constituencies.”
Speaking about the immense financial pressure businesses are experiencing as a direct result of these further restrictions, Mr Pollen said:
“Our third initiative in this package of measures is to do all we can to ensure access to finance for businesses that are caught in this truly horrible situation. Much of that finance will be acquired by taking on yet more debt to survive, but much more must come from Stormont. The UK Government has extended the furlough scheme, which is welcome, but it will only benefit employees if the business survives.
“For a great many, their very survival is now at risk, so we are urging Ministers and MLAs to get generous grants approved and processed as a matter of the highest priority.”