Northern Ireland business leaders to address Labour Party Conference

A delegation of business leaders will travel to the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool today (Tuesday) to articulate the Westminster-based policy actions they believe will help Northern Ireland’s economy to grow.

Representatives from Denroy, Queens University, Eakin Healthcare, Kainos and NIE Networks are set to speak at a Fringe Event hosted by Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) and Queen’s University, Belfast this evening.

There they will directly address Labour party members, Ministers and MPs, including NI Secretary of State Hilary Benn MP, focusing on a range of priorities including business competitiveness, international trade, net-zero and access to labour and skills.

The business leaders will also discuss the practical application of the Windsor Framework and how the UK and EU can work together to meet common challenges like food and energy security.

Speaking from Liverpool Suzanne Wylie, chief executive, NI Chamber said: “Northern Ireland is a region of the UK with a wealth of untapped economic potential, which can only be realised with the right policy interventions from both Westminster and Stormont.

“This event will focus on how we can maximise the region’s strengths especially in sectors like aerospace, green industries, tech, advanced manufacturing and health & life sciences, among others.

“It is a significant and very high-profile opportunity, which we are using to present the government with new ideas and genuine solutions to the challenges facing businesses in Northern Ireland.

“Ultimately, we want to see more intensive partnership between political decision makers and the business community, developing a shared understanding of collective challenges and encouraging better coordination, collaboration and decision making in pursuit of economic growth.”

Professor Sir Ian Greer, president and vice chancellor, Queen’s University, Belfast, added: “Universities are central to a thriving society and economy and Queen’s ranks as one of the leading universities in the UK for entrepreneurial impact.

“Our economic impact is over £3 billion each year, with an 8:1 benefit:cost ratio for the UK economy.

“It is essential we attract and retain graduate talent in Northern Ireland.

“This is essential to deliver on government plans to grow our economy through innovation and skills, therefore, we want to work with Government to develop a strategic approach to achieve this.

“We are delighted to be partnering with NI Chamber to deliver the ‘Mission: Business Growth’ fringe event at this year’s Labour Conference.

“We will be setting out key business priorities to unlock growth, as identified in NI Chamber’s business-led manifesto, published earlier this year.

The visiting delegation will also include Stuart Anderson, director of Public Affairs, NI Chamber, Derek Hynes, chief executive officer, NIE Networks, Kevin McNamee, managing director, Denroy Group and Jeremy Eakin, director, Eakin Healthcare Group.