Business community key to achieving '˜common aim of growth'

Addressing business figures in Lurgan at a ‘Minister on the Move’ event held by Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry and SSE Airtricity, he said Brexit and the ongoing recovery remained vital issues.

“The referendum result undoubtedly creates challenges for our economy,” he said .

“I share the concern amongst the business community about the uncertainty facing us and the desire to urgently seek stability, clarity and action around this.”

“We all share a common goal – we want to grow investment, create jobs and deliver prosperity and our business community is central to achieving that,” he added.

The ‘Minister on the Move’ initiative provides businesses with the chance to speak directly with NI Assembly Ministers at a number of locations across the province.

Also speaking at the event, held at the Lurgan operation of giant US-owned Interface, Chamber president Nick Coburn said “Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry believes that our own political leaders have a crucial role to play in securing the best possible outcome for our local businesses.

“That means moving on from the different position the parties took into the referendum campaign and putting NI plc at the centre of the post Brexit political dispensation.

“Above all Northern Ireland businesses need information on what is happening at the moment and what is likely to happen in the future, both in terms of how the new relationship will be formed but also in regard to the logistics of the discussions.

“The private sector locally will want a say and an assurance that their voice will be heard. That can only come from our own political representatives and we are ready to work with them to protect the interests of Northern Ireland as far and as long as possible.”

In addition to receiving a departmental update from the Minister, attendees also heard the growth story of carpet tile manufacturer Interface and toured the plant.