Exec should aim for 10 per cent growth, say retailers

NIIRTA chief executive Glyn Roberts launching the group’s alternative Programme for Government in February

The body representing Northern Ireland’s retailers has called on the new Executive to introduce a “radical programme” and be more ambitious in its aims for economic growth.

The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) urged ministers appointed this week to quickly publish pro-business plans, saying it should aim for a 10 per cent growth rate over the next five years.

NIIRTA, which represents over 1600 members, was the only local business organisation to publish its own alternative Programme for Government in February containing 97 policies suggestions.

Its chief executive Glyn Roberts also welcomed the emergence of an official opposition, saying it would ensure the Executive is held to account.

“The new NI Executive must hit the ground running with a radical Programme for Government to address the huge economic challenges facing Northern Ireland,” he said.

“Its focus should be on real delivery, collective responsibility and, as far as possible, act like a normal coalition government.”

Mr Roberts added that rather than accepting a growth rate of one or two percent, the new executive should aim to achieve a 10 per cent growth rate over the next five years.

“Over the next few weeks, vital negotiations on the new Programme for Government will conclude,” he said. “Business and trade organisations need to be part of those discussions to ensure we have a real and genuine partnership to ensure real delivery and a programme that has a 10 per cent economic growth target as its number one priority.”

Mr Roberts also called for action on addressing high business costs, a coordinated plan to tackle red tape, and more vocational and professional education.

“There is no reason why Northern Ireland could not be the best place in the UK and Ireland to locate or start a business,” he added. “All we need is the ambition.”