I was invited this week to a roundtable with other representatives from critical sectors, including business, community, voluntary organisations and social enterprises, to share insights and discuss the implications of the Autumn Budget Statement with Members from the Assembly Finance and Economy Committees. I used this opportunity to continue our lobby in relation to Rates and the cost of doing business. The BID has a real concern about the disproportionate impact on retail and hospitality of the impending increases in minimum national wage and increased employers National insurance seeing both as regressive taxes on jobs  These additional costs to business kick in at the start of April along with expected further rate rises leaving many businesses under severe pressure and facing unenviable choices about reducing staff hours and or numbers to remain viable. This message was delivered loud and clear to our MLAs along with the need for fundamental reform to the Business Rates system based on fairness. I will keep you updated on how this progresses.