Asked by: Robin Swann (Ulster Unionist Party - South Antrim)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 22 July to Question 68868 on Companies: Economic Crime, of the businesses dissolved, how many had five or more registered at one address.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
Between April 2024 and March 2025, there were 70 addresses where 5 or more companies were dissolved in Northern Ireland. This impacted a total of 852 companies.
A further 3,000 companies were located at the Companies House default address at the time of their dissolution during this period.
Asked by: Robin Swann (Ulster Unionist Party - South Antrim)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, when his Department will launch the consultation on Hughs Law.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
A public consultation on further support for parents of seriously ill children, including Hugh's Law, will take place during 2026.
Asked by: Robin Swann (Ulster Unionist Party - South Antrim)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, how many companies with addresses in Northern Ireland have been removed from the Companies House register in the last year by the National Economic Crime Centre.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
The National Economic Crime Centre does not remove companies from the Registers of Companies. This is a function of the Registrars of Companies.
During the most recent period for which published figures are available (April 2024 to March 2025), 10,096 companies were struck off the Register of Companies for Northern Ireland and dissolved. These statistics are available from Table A9 of the Companies Register Activities: Statistical Release April 2024 to March 2025. This can be accessed at the address below:
Companies register activities: statistical release April 2024 to March 2025 - GOV.UK
Asked by: Robin Swann (Ulster Unionist Party - South Antrim)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has had discussions with online sales platforms on guidance on implementation of the General Product Safety Regulation.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
Ministerial colleagues in the Department and I undertake regular engagement with businesses, including online marketplaces and those who sell products online, to listen to their concerns.
In addition, officials in my Department have regular discussions with business representatives, including online marketplaces and businesses that sell products online, on a range of issues, including the new General Product Safety Regulations. This engagement allows businesses to raise specific issues directly with the Government.
Asked by: Robin Swann (Ulster Unionist Party - South Antrim)
Question to the Department for Business and Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if his Department will have discussions with the (a) Motor Ombudsman and (b) Ford on (i) wet belt engine problems and (ii) resolution of consumer cases relating to those problems.
Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)
Consumers experiencing issues with Ford wet belt engines should contact Ford or the retailer directly to resolve the issue. Consumers can also contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 for advice. If consumers are unable to resolve issues directly, the Motor Ombudsman, which is independent of government, can investigate and seek a resolution.
The Driver and Vehicle Standard Agency (DVSA) has and continues to investigate issues with Ford wet belt engines, including where raised directly by owners. The DVSA will continue to engage with Ford to better understand the reasons for failure and have the power to require Ford to take safety recall action if evidence suggests it is necessary.