Derry Chamber Chief Executive Paul Clancy
Commenting on the creation of the Grant Support Scheme for North West hospitality businesses, Londonderry Chamber Chief Executive Paul Clancy said:
“Any and all funds for our hospitality businesses, which stand to be among the worst affected by the new restrictions in the North West, are welcome and we are grateful that the Finance Minister has acted swiftly to get vital funds to these businesses. The Department of Finance must now work quickly to ensure money reaches these businesses as soon as possible.
“However, we have to be realistic and recognise that this scheme is merely a drop in the ocean in terms of the support which is truly needed to save our regional economy and firms beyond the hospitality industry. Greater financial support and grants are urgently needed and I hope that today’s scheme is just the first in a suite of measures. The end of the furlough scheme at the end of the month presents a grave challenge for businesses of all shapes and sizes and unless the UK Government urgently brings forward further support measures, we are going to see thousands of redundancies.
“Viable businesses will be lost forever and the poverty this will create will also massively affect lives and create significant challenges. We are again urging everyone in the North West to minimise their social contacts and follow the basic rules of regular handwashing, social distancing, and mask wearing. We are also urging the Executive to continue to press Westminster for financial intervention and more support measures before the damage becomes irreversible.”