The new committee of Fermoy Business Action Group met recently to formulate plans for the year ahead. The town’s representative body for shop owners and businesses is geared up for a busy year.

The most important and pressing issue facing it is the impact on small business owners of the abolition of the town council. The consequences are largely unknown at this juncture but there are fears that it could result in a raise in commercial rates and a diminution in services. Another unknown is who the local public representatives will be. It’s an issue the business group will be keeping a close eye on.

The group, under the chairmanship of Adrian Godwin of Oaktree Financial Services based in Kent Street, is also working on ways to enhance the Christmas shopping experience in Fermoy this year and a special promotion is being considered. They’ll be in a position to unveil their plans in the coming weeks.

Parking is another major issue for the group. They have backed a call from the town council for the free parking initiative in off street car parks currently operating to be extended until just before Christmas, when Fermoy Town Council traditionally waives charges in the car parks to encourage shoppers to stay local.

Fermoy Business Action Group came up with the slogan ‘Try Fermoy First’ some years ago to encourage people to think first and foremost about trying to get what they need and want in the town. In the midst of a recession they say, its never been more important to support local businesses and, by doings so, do your bit to stimulate the local economy.