Only one Derry-owned business has made it on to the list of the Top 100 companies in Northern Ireland.

By Alan Healyalan@derrynews.net 

It comes in the week where it was claimed that in the last eighteen months alone, a staggering 72 small businesses have shut down in the city.

The list – published this week in the Belfast Telegraph’s annual analysis of the north’s top businesses - saw the Foyle Food Group came in at number 61.

And while Seagate, Tesco and Next are all featured, the Lisahally-based meat processor is the only home grown business included in the rundown.

 Only the inclusion of the County Derry based Henry Group meant that the region gets two mentions on the list.

The news will cast further doubt on the future of independent traders in the city, with Derry City Council now demanding that rates relief being offered to small businesses in the rest of the UK now be extended to the city.

Speaking at Tuesday afternoon’s monthly meeting of council, Sinn Fein councillor Lynn Fleming put forward a motion calling on council to write to the Finance Minister calling on the introduction of rates relief to qualifying applicants.

“Since 2005, rates relief has operated in England,” she said.

“In the last eighteen months 72 small businesses have closed down here, and that takes in the Strand Road, Waterloo Street and Spencer Road.

“Eleven businesses have shut down in Carlisle Road and thirteen in Waterloo Place.

“That takes in retail, financial services and fast food outlets.

 “People in the city with great entrepreneurial skills are being stifled by the rates burden.”