#TakeBackTheCity is more than just about having fun. Yes we’re trying to create a buzz and let you know what’s on. However, business in Belfast is struggling. Not just bars and restaurants. I’ve been inundated with small businesses wanting me to include them on my pages. We all need to support each other. We all need to make sacrifices. We all need to love our city, the people and the businesses. So get #BackinBelfast this weekend! – Please.

This is a post I read tonight regarding Co Couture. Have a read……

Today Co Couture received a court summons from Land & Property Services (LPS) for upaid rates. In fact we made a payment to LPS in January ’13 forwarding a letter requesting flexibility as we continue to be affected by the ongoing flag protests. May of you will be aware our business is right beside City Hall Belfast which has been affected for coming on eight weeks.

This evening I was forced to walk home in the rain as all buses had been cancelled due to flag protests. This is despite the fact that I am just getting over a severe cold which has causing breathing difficulties. A cab was not an option as I am not yet taking a salary from Co Couture. On way home I passed a road blocked by around 20 protesters surrounded by police and landrovers.

This is the reality of owning a business in Belfast. I truly feel like this is an abusive relationship – beaten up by the system at every turn for circumstances which are out of our control and not of our making. No amount of marketing spend in the world will fix this.

I chose to set up my business in Belfast and to make it internationally acclaimed. It has been incredibly hard work but Co Couture has already won many international awards and has been twice recognised by two separate sources as one of the top 80 chocolate companies in the world.

Although, I do not think I can do this much longer. Not because of our unpaid rates which we will pay, because of the situation we have placed in. Co Couture will always be about but maybe not in Belfast.

For all of you who hold a voucher for a Chocolate Masterclass please do use the voucher to reserve your place now. For all other bookings we will only be doing these a month in advance until we know what we will do. https://www.facebook.com/CoCouture