Business leaders discuss key issues with Deputy First Minister
CBI Northern Ireland members had the opportunity to discuss priorities for improving the business environment with the Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness
CBI Northern Ireland members had the opportunity to discuss priorities for improving the business environment with the Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, over dinner, hosted by the Ulster Bank, this week. The discussion focused on the importance of ensuring adequate finance is available for growth businesses, and the importance of delivering a lower corporation tax and realigning skills to meet the needs of the economy. Members also focused around streamlining government and its structures and addressing the increasing burden of employment regulations.
The CBI Northern Ireland Chairman, Ian Coulter, said “It is essential that the Executive focuses every effort on maintaining and creating jobs. We were encouraged in our discussions with the Deputy First Minister but we have stressed that 2012 is now about delivery. The Executive can build confidence in the business sector to encourage investment and growth by being seen to taking decisions quickly, in particular around capital expenditure and which government projects can be kicked off in the middle part of this year”.
Mr McGuinness said: "The draft Programme for Government offers you as business leaders support as you work to develop better services and higher quality products. It promises you a stronger, better qualified and healthier environment in which to grow your businesses, but also looks to you to support the work of the Executive in re-balancing the economy, tackling disadvantage and promoting fairness and equality. “
The deputy First Minister said that in these difficult economic times, where unemployment is rising, it is vital that we create an economy which is both vital and transformative.
He said; "Our aim of supporting the promotion of over 25,000 new jobs in the local economy is challenging, but I am firmly of the opinion that we need to set an ambitious course for recovery and to act with purpose and high expectation.”
"Growing a vibrant economy will transform our society and accelerate the move towards economic, social and infrastructural renewal. We need to provide people with opportunities to use their skills entrepreneurially and creatively, to deliver a better future for everyone."
Media contact:
Kirsty McManus | Assistant Regional Director | CBI
T: 02890 101106 / Mob: 07976091437