Shout louder about Northern Ireland's investment proposal: NI Chamber

Northern Ireland needs to tell the world about its talent base, natural resources and ability to trade with markets in both the European Union and Great Britain if it is to supercharge its economy.

That was the message from the Northern Ireland Chamber’s new president Caitriona McCusker as she took over the role at a lunch in front of 400 business leaders in Belfast.

Ms McCusker said both business and government must work together to define and boldly articulate the region’s unique investment opportunity to the world.

“We’ve got huge advantages – our talented people and propensity for innovation, an abundance of natural resources to support the secure supply of clean energy and unique dual market access,” she said. “At NI Chamber, we’re very clear about the need to agree and articulate what our investment proposition looks like – and to shout so much louder about it.”

She said government must help provide the right conditions for businesses to be competitive by tackling the corporation tax question, addressing skills gaps, boosting innovation and maximising our trading opportunities.

“We want to see the next government working with business across the UK to tackle near-market red tape in trade with GB, the Republic of Ireland and Europe and provide greater support for our businesses to access international markets,” she said. “Critically, access to the right people with the right skills must be facilitated if we’re to develop the workplace and the workforce of the future. Effective migration and mobility policies aligned with regional economic need are a top requirement, along with long overdue support for childcare and reform of the Apprenticeship Levy.”

Turning to the creative sector, Ms McCusker said Northern Ireland has significant potential and capability in the space.

“We have the capacity to create jobs and exports; to drive innovation, attract investment and tourists and to entertain audiences the world over,” he said. “At NI Chamber, we recognise the potential which exists, which has why we’ve placed a specific focus on support for Digital, Tech and Creative Industries in our recent manifesto.”