NI Business Delegation Visit Westminster To Push For More Investment, Support & Less Regulation

A business delegation from Northern Ireland, comprising of leaders from Trade NI, the alliance of Hospitality Ulster, Retail NI and Manufacturing NI, visited Westminster last week in a bid to drum up more support, more investment and to ask for the government to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses here.

The financial hit that businesses have taken with the higher employer National Insurance contributions allied to a raising of the National Minimum Wage and the issue of tariffs from the USA which has affected many businesses in NI, are a burden that some are struggling to cope with, so more support and investment would be most welcome.

Effective Economic Levers Need To Be In Place

Here is what the business delegation said about this trip in a joint statement which we are copying from an article on the Business Eye website. It reads:

“Whilst it is easy to get caught up in the relentless news about tariffs and trade deals we must retain our focus on Northern Ireland and how we can collectively increase productivity, reduce the regulatory burden on businesses; increase the skills base; address VAT issues and deliver greater outputs. We can only do that if we have effective economic levers in place – some of which are within the gift of decision makers in Parliament and Whitehall.”  

“Our Westminster lobby event is a vital opportunity to be able to discuss the key concerns of the business community with national political decision makers and help them understand the priorities needed for Northern Ireland, and to promote Northern Ireland as a great place to locate or start a business.”

“Of course we are not immune or insulated from what is going on internationally, we need to keep showcasing our region and how it is primed for new opportunities to grow and prosper. We have some of the best talent, best services, and best products available on the global stage, but greater responsiveness is needed if we are to meet our economic potential.” 

Celebrating Northern Ireland’s Dynamic Business Community

In the same article the Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP spoke about the visit from the NI delegation, saying:

“I look forward to speaking at the Trade NI event and to celebrating Northern Ireland’s dynamic business community.” 

“The Prime Minister’s recent announcements on new trade deals with the US, India, and this week the EU, are great news for businesses and consumers in NI, opening up further opportunities for Northern Ireland exporters and providing them with access to two of the world’s largest economies.”