Initiative aims to cut red tape and trace renegade firms

A new initiative to reduce red tape, ease the burden of regulation on businesses and track down firms which regularly break the law in Northern Ireland was launched today.

The Northern Ireland Business Support Partnership will bring together members of the commercial sector, the Inland Revenue, environmental health, Customs and Excise, the Health and Safety Executive, Food Standards Agency, trading standards and DoE Planning Control.

It is hoped the organisation will provide businesses with information about the regulations they must comply with and how to improve their customer services.

Stormont Junior Minister James Leslie said: ‘‘This is an important initiative that brings together the business community and the local enforcement agencies and offers a real opportunity to build meaningful relationships.’’

‘‘The Business Support Partnership has the potential to encourage competitiveness, reduce red tape, minimise the burden of regulation and help regulators target those who persist in flouting the law.

‘‘It will also provide a level playing field on which honest businesses can compete.’’

Formation of the group was welcomed by the province’s business leaders.

Bill Jeffrey, from the Federation of Small Businesses, urged firms to support it and get involved.

‘‘This partnership offers small businesses an opportunity to tap into sources of advice and information on regulatory issues and will also allow the business community to comment on the impact regulations are having on them,’’ he said.

The president of the Chamber of Commerce, Victor Haslett, said: ‘‘This is a welcome initiative which will help our members meet the challenge of dealing with regulation, freeing them to concentrate their efforts in supplying top class goods and services to the community.’’

The first meeting of the partnership is due to take place late next month with subsequent gatherings two or three times a year.