27/07/2001

Minister outlines benefits of a unified consumer strategy

Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment has described the promotion of a confident, well informed consumer as good for business.

The Minister was commenting on a consultation process which is currently taking place on DETI’s consumer strategy, which includes contacts with various consumer and business groups, and which will lead to the creation of a wide ranging Consumer Strategy for Northern Ireland.

Sir Reg said: “The consultation document on the new DETI consumer strategy is part of a process which aims to place consumers at the heart of government. This is a commitment which was outlined in the Programme for Government.

“DETI’s consumer strategy offers real benefits for Northern Ireland’s consumers, while also highlighting to business the value of getting their customer care right from the outset. Businesses who are informed on their customer’s opinions have a competitive edge on their rivals.”

Key themes within the consumer strategy include education and information, the provision of advice for consumers and encouraging businesses to tune into customer expectations. In addition the strategy looks at enforcement, regulation and consumer representation.

The Consumer Strategy will fulfil the Assembly’s commitment in the Programme for Government to develop and publish a Northern Ireland Strategy by December 2001.

The second stage of the Consumer Strategy will be the setting up of a steering group to develop the Strategy across all government departments and beyond, at which time a further, wide-ranging consultation will take place.

(MB)

Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

21 January 2004
Initiative to improve and 'advance' Ards social economy
‘Advance Ards’, a new initiative launched to help promote and develop the social economy in Ards, aims to assist community groups towards becoming community businesses.
06 November 2015
Council Hosts 'Small Business Saturday Bus Tour'
Belfast City Council hosted the 'Small Business Saturday Bus Tour' at City Hall on Thursday, 05 November, which is touring the UK to highlight small business success and encourage people to 'shop local'.
18 August 2015
L'Derry Firm To Target New Business Outside The UK
Telemarketing company, 1 Stop Data based in L'Derry, is being assisted by Invest Northern Ireland to target new business outside the UK.
26 July 2012
Northern Hydraulics Engineers Investors In People Success
Coalisland precision engineering company Northern Hydraulics is one of 37 organisations from across Northern Ireland today awarded with the prestigious Investors in People (IiP) accreditation. Dr Stephen Farry, Minister for Employment and Learning, congratulated those receiving the business award at a celebration event held in Hillsborough Castle.
21 November 2005
CBI urges 'clarity' on energy policy
Business needs a revamped, coherent energy strategy as key policy gaps could threaten the security of energy supplies in the future, the CBI said today. The call for an energy strategy came as the Government considers "all the options" prior to a forthcoming review of the energy policy.