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Finance Minister, Caoimhe Archibald MLA and Economy Minister, Conor Murphy MLA were in Newry this week for a Fireside Chat Engagement Event hosted by Norbrook Laboratories at The Ballyedmond Centre in the city.
The unique event on 5 September was organised by Newry Chamber and provided the opportunity for the business community in the Greater Newry Area to meet with two senior NI Executive Ministers to discuss the economic and financial challenges facing local businesses in the region.
During the discussions, the Ministers answered questions and engaged with the Chamber Corporate Patrons and Members across a broad spectrum of issues including:
- The Rates Burden, its impact on the Retail, Hospitality and Professional Services Sector and how we fund public services into the future
- Departmental Cross-Cutting and Collaboration in providing funding for seismic economic change in this region
- A Balanced Regional Approach to Economic Development
- Tackling our Workforce Challenges through a collaborative approach to meeting the Skills and Recruitment needs of the Greater Newry Area in the years ahead
- Newry as the Gateway City to GB & EU Markets, maximising the opportunity and funding opportunities
- Maximising the potential of the Island of Ireland Economy
The event was kindly sponsored and hosted by Newry Chamber Corporate Patron and one of largest employers in the Greater Newry Area, Norbrook Laboratories.
Andrea Iucci, CEO of Norbrook Laboratories said “Norbrook Laboratories is delighted to host this unique event which brings two senior NI Executive Ministers to Newry to discuss the issues facing businesses and employers in this region. Norbrook Laboratories is proud to be a Corporate Patron of Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade and we welcome the opportunity to host the Ministers today for what was a very positive and engaging discussion.”
Edwina Flynn, President of Newry Chamber said “Newry Chamber is delighted to have welcomed both the Finance Minister, Caoimhe Archibald MLA and Economy Minister, Conor Murphy MLA to Newry to discuss the issues impacting our local economy and how we can work collaboratively with the NI Executive to realise the ambitions of the Greater Newry Area.”
“Newry Chamber acknowledges that there are budgetary pressures facing the NI Executive and believes that collaboration is key to achieving economic growth and making our Central Government finances go further. The issues discussed reflected this and the engagement was positive and informative.”
Michael Savage, CEO of Newry Chamber said “The Chamber’s core pillars of providing the environment for investment in the Greater Newry Area through central government support alongside infrastructure development and tackling the skills and recruitment challenges were very much part of the discussions and both Ministers were given insight into the needs of this area to achieve its ambitions for growth. The Chamber will continue to engage at a Ministerial level to ensure that we work with the NI Executive to achieve our common aims in the months ahead.”
Finance Minister, Caoimhe Archibald MLA said “It was good to meet with the Chamber and local companies in Newry today to discuss issues facing them. I’m committed to doing all I can as Finance Minister to support them. Around 75% of our non-domestic ratepayers currently get some form of rate support and in May, I reinstated the Back in Business scheme to encourage occupation of empty retail units. I also restored the rural ATM scheme through new legislation. Both these measures will help bring footfall and investment back to our high streets which should benefit everyone.”
Economy Minister, Conor Murphy MLA said “I am committed to supporting the economic development of the Greater Newry Area and was pleased to continue my ongoing engagement with Newry Chamber of Commerce, its patrons, and local businesses today.”
“We held constructive discussions on the economic prioritises and challenges for the area and how best to target support. Businesses are all too aware of the economic landscape they are operating in, and the ongoing fiscal constraints of Government support. It was acknowledged that in order to nurture regional economic growth, Government must work collaboratively to maximise our finite budget and minimise duplication.”
“I was pleased to hear backing for my department’s forthcoming Sub-Regional Economic Plan created to drive regional economic growth and boost exports. My Economic Vision is committed to addressing regional disparities across the north. I believe we must empower our local economic partners to be responsive to business need and work in parallel with the business community to achieve sustainable regional economic growth.”
