CEO comments on the launch of Business Red Tape Review

26 November 2014

"Making life simpler by improving business regulation is key"

This was the message from Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster at the launch of the Review of Business Red Tape.

Welcoming the report, ‘Making Life Simpler: Improving Business Regulation in Northern Ireland’, the Minister said: “Red tape or unnecessary administrative requirements can prove to be a real burden for businesses. The Northern Ireland Economic Strategy recognises that to secure our vision for the economy it is vital to grow the private sector and make it easier to do business here.

“I believe an indication of our commitment to reform is shown in that Northern Ireland is the first in the UK to undertake such a comprehensive review. The Review of Business Red Tape will provide the Executive, with an opportunity to ease the burden on businesses by devising a regulatory reform agenda and removing unnecessary burdens to deliver a more efficient and effective service.”

The review was guided by an independent Advisory Panel and informed by engagement with regulators, departments and businesses across many sectors

Thanking the Advisory Panel for their commitment and vision the Minister said: “We are working in challenging times and need to reform our public services. Continuing to improve our economic competitiveness can only be achieved by working in partnership with the business community. This Review provides a helpful and focused contribution to regulatory reform, which will play a real part in the Executives public sector reform agenda.”

Responding to the launch of the Review of Business Red Tape by Minister Foster, Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Pubs of Ulster said:

“We are heartened by the publication of this report from the Minister which sends a positive message to many in our industry who have been finding it difficult to navigate the red tape and business administrative obligations placed on them.

“I have been actively chairing several DETI review working groups on behalf of the hospitality sector, working with the department to see how we can cut red tape for businesses in our sector. Departmental officials have engaged very well with us and we are already starting to see improvements coming even in these early stages.

“We hope to see an even greater reduction of red tape and look forward to it continuing to be an ongoing and collaborative process with the department.”