The investment conference, which is due to take place in Belfast next month (Sept 12th to 13th), will be a great opportunity to show businesses how far Northern Ireland have come and why it is such a fantastic place to work in.
Business leaders believe that the country has a good package to offer investors, even without a fully functioning Executive at the heart of government. The economy is recovering and confidence has begun to return in the business sector, which all adds up to good news for anyone who wants to do business in the region.
Even Without A Functioning Assembly We Will Solve Problems Ourselves
In an article by Alyson Magee in the Belfast Telegraph, NI Chamber’s chief executive Suzanne Wylie is quoted as saying about the positive atmosphere in the business community:
“It’s really encouraging businesses are saying, even without a functioning Assembly, that we’re just going to solve these problems ourselves, we’re going to get on with things and have a can-do attitude,” said Ms Wylie.
“I think that bodes really well for the investment conference. We need to capitalise on that opportunity.”
An Opportunity To Take That Momentum And Supercharge It
And Brian Murphy, managing partner of business advisory firm BDO NI, is also quoted saying:
“The economy has done remarkably well and opportunity is there to take that momentum and supercharge it.
“We can sell the stability that actually exists in NI, because of the business success we’re seeing here.
“There’s a bit of bring them, show them and I think they’ll be impressed by what we actually have.
“Yes, it would be nice to have the full package, but we actually have a good package to offer even without that.”
The article also looks at the issues that are still hampering the business community but which they are doing very well to cope with. The article says:
‘Labour costs are overtaking pricing as the biggest concern for businesses, said economist Maureen O’Reilly, during a presentation of the survey results at BDO’s Belfast office.
‘And interest rates are starting to kick in, with the corporation tax hike and competition offering further challenges. “There’s more to deal with for business in different ways,” said Ms O’Reilly.
‘Public spending cuts were identified as a concern for 74% of respondents, with water charges emerging as a strong contender for raising revenue.
‘Business sentiment around the Windsor Framework was also sought in the survey, with only 2-3% of respondents believing it was either negative or very negative for both their own business and the NI economy.’
I am sure that the investment summit in Belfast will be very successful, build on the good work already done by the business community, and bring further revenue into Northern Ireland.
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