Opportunity is out there but local firms need ‘breathing room’ to be our engine of growth – CBI Northern Ireland

With all eyes on the forthcoming UK Budget, more than 200 businesses, politicians and other leaders joined CBI Northern Ireland at its flagship annual networking breakfast in Country Antrim to discuss growth, resilience and the opportunities presented by the Northern Ireland economy.

With firms across Northern Ireland continuing to battle high energy, labour and transport costs, the focus of the event was on how business and government - at both a local and UK level - can work together to give Northern Ireland’s firms the breathing room they need to unlock investment, drive growth and boost job creation.

The CBI Annual Breakfast is a key date in the NI business calendar. The event, which took place in the Great Hall at the Galgorm Resort and Spa, was supported by strategic partner NIE Networks; corporate partners Henderson Group and Pilgrims Europe; and supporting partner BT Group.

Guest speakers included: Sarah Owen MP, Northern Ireland Office Minister; James Pomeroy, Global Economist at HSBC UK; Sir David Sterling, Independent non-executive Chair at NIE Networks; and Brian Donaldson, Chief Executive of the Maxol Group and current CBI Northern Ireland Chair.

Brian Donaldson, Chair, CBI Northern Ireland, said:

“Companies across Northern Ireland are dealing with higher energy costs, higher transport costs and cautious customers spending less. How long these pressures will last is hard to say, and that means hard choices are having to be made. But even in these conditions, businesses continue to show remarkable determination and resourcefulness – adapting, finding opportunities and keeping the Northern Ireland economy moving forward.

“That’s why it was great to see so many business leaders ‘in the room’ together at our breakfast event. Their voice has never been so important at a pivotal time for the local, All-island and UK economy which support our local businesses and facilitate further investment. I would like to thank all those who attended and NIE Networks, Henderson Group, Pilgrims Europe and BT Group for their generous sponsorship.”

Angela McGowan, Director, CBI Northern Ireland, said:

“After the recent change of UK Prime Minister and with much focus on the upcoming Budget, we are determined to ensure that business and government work hand-in-glove to unlock investment, boost job creation, and deliver prosperity that can be felt in communities across Northern Ireland.

“With firms facing a real range of challenges, from high operating costs to increased global uncertainty, it was great to bring experts together to discuss how Northern Ireland can best navigate these choppy waters, while staying laser focused on delivering economic growth.

“With living and business costs so inextricably linked, we must do everything in our power to help local firms invest, thrive and grow. Northern Ireland’s success requires a fit and firing private sector. While government can put up the supportive scaffolding, its ultimately business alone that delivers growth, creates jobs and puts pounds in people’s pockets.”

Sir David Sterling, Independent Non-Executive Chair, NIE Networks, said:

“We were delighted to once again sponsor the CBI Breakfast which is a flagship event in the business calendar helping to strengthen connections and promote economic growth.

"Too often economic growth, energy, affordability, security of supply and sustainability are
discussed as separate challenges. In reality, they are interconnected and require a co-ordinated, long-term approach across government, regulators, utilities and industry. The greatest opportunity lies in the development of a shared delivery plan that aligns government, utilities and industry around the outcomes that matter most: lower energy costs, greater energy security, sustainable growth and long-term economic prosperity. By aligning priorities and optimising investment, we can reduce exposure to volatile international energy markets, strengthen energy security, support economic growth and deliver better long-term value for customers.

"Our ambition, at NIE Networks, is to create an energy system that is affordable, secure and sustainable, while supporting the long-term prosperity and competitiveness of Northern Ireland and we look forward to continuing to work with the CBI and their members on that journey.”