CBI NI comments on reopening of hospitality, retail & leisure

Angela McGowan, CBI Northern Ireland Director, said:

“The staged reopening of some of Northern Ireland’s hardest-hit sectors comes as a huge relief to owners that have endured a torrid year of lockdown restrictions. Hospitality, leisure and non-essential retail firms will be looking to the weeks ahead with cautious optimism.

“However, we remain some way off before we turn the page on the pandemic. It’s crucial firms are supplied with clear guidance from the Executive which enables them to operate in a safe and profitable way, based on local health data.

“Government support has provided a lifeline during an unprecedented twelve months.  But with firms still low on cash, confidence and demand, additional help from the Executive will be needed. Further financial support could offer flexibility and help cushion firms during a precarious restart phase where jobs and livelihoods remain in the balance.

“A big effort is needed from both the NI Executive and the UK Government over the summer to support business and economic growth.”