Newry Chamber CEO, Michael Savage attended the launch of NI Chamber’s Westminster Economic Manifesto, ‘Mission: Business Growth’ in Ulster University in Belfast this week.
The business-led manifesto, prioritises the Westminster-based policy levers which it believes will best support business and economic growth in Northern Ireland.
The event included panel discussions with representatives of the five main political parties stating their support for the manifesto recommendations aimed at growing the NI economy.
It also heard from representatives of NI Chamber and Stratagem, the authors of the document, as well as the Event Sponsors, NIE Networks and Phoenix Energy.
Michael Savage, CEO of Newry Chamber commented:
“NI Chamber’s manifesto ‘Mission: Business Growth’ is in sync with Newry Chamber’s Core Strategic Priorities which puts greater collaboration with Government as a means to achieve greater things for our local economy.”
“The manifesto is an excellent document that embodies many of the strategic priorities and ambitions that mirror those of Newry Chamber and we welcome the recommendations within the document of a number of practical reforms which it says will help develop a better shared understating of both challenges and strengths within the NI Economy and assist the Greater Newry Area to maximise future opportunities post the Command Paper.”
The manifestio has also prioritised a ‘new, ambitious long-term fiscal framework for Northern Ireland, which supports the Executive to stabilise public spending and unlock sustainable economic growth’.
NI Chamber has also called for strategic interventions which strengthen Northern Ireland’s competitive proposition including support for dual-market access, tackling the corporation tax question and sector specific asks for high-growth industries such health and life sciences, advanced manufacturing and digital and creative industries.
As well as a series of practical supports, the document calls on government to work with business to tackle near market red tape in trade with Great Britain, Ireland and Europe.
With wider geo-political uncertainty, it also asks for greater collaboration between the UK and Europe in meeting common challenges including energy and climate change, health and wellbeing and food security, specifically calling for an ambitious SPS agreement.
With access to people and skills a persistent challenge, the organisation has specific requests for the next government regarding access to international talent and cross-border workers, including an all-island mobility taskforce, reform of the apprenticeship levy and action on tax free childcare.
NI Chamber’s business manifesto ‘Mission: Business Growth‘ is available to read online now. Its top priorities are detailed under six categories:
A renewed partnership
Better working with government
A new fiscal framework
A new ambitious fiscal framework for Northern Ireland
Building a competitive proposition
Enhancing Northern Ireland’s reputation as a global leader
Growing beyond these shores
Access to international markets
Reducing near market red tape
Easing access to our nearest markets
A workforce and workplace of the future
Creating sustainable working environments