Diane Forsythe said:
“Small and microbusinesses are the backbone of our local economy in Northern Ireland. When business owners - including farmers - are forced to take hours out of their working day to travel long distances to the nearest bank branch, it costs them time, money, and productivity. This ultimately stifles our local economy.
Our local businesses are already under pressure in the current economic climate, particularly following the reality of the Labour budget hitting this month. They need support, not more obstacles.
Access to banking services should not be a barrier to business or economic growth. This is especially concerning in rural areas, where people often face significant travel just to reach a bank. It’s a pressing issue that must be addressed if we are to support and sustain our local economy.”