Derry Daily
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
Thursday 21°CFriday 22°C

Derry Daily Derry Daily Derry Daily

  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
BusinessNewsPolitics

Business leaders challenge MLAs to prove Stormont can deliver

written by John February 4, 2020
ShareTweet

Stephen Kelly, CEO, Manufacturing NI, SDLP Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin, Colin Neill, CEO, Hospitality Ulster, Dr east Derry MLA Caoimhe Archibald and Glyn Roberts, CEO Retail NI at Trade NI’s ‘Northern Ireland Economy – What Now?’ at The Long Gallery, Stormont.

STORMONT MLAs have been challenged by business leaders to prove that devolved government can deliver.

The Trade NI coalition held the first major policy presentation by business groups to the newly restored Assembly.

First Minister Arlene Foster, Economy Minister Diane Dodds and prominent members of the business community were among those who attended the Northern Ireland Economy – What Now? event at the Long Gallery.

Trade NI – an alliance between Hospitality Ulster, Manufacturing NI and Retail NI – put on the event to “highlight the urgent and pressing issues felt by the business community”.

The group has launched its Vision 2030 document which sets out key policy priorities with the potential to create 65,000 jobs.

Speaking at the event, Glyn Roberts of Retail NI said it was a “call to action to make our economy fit for purpose”.

“If there is one thing that is clear this Executive cannot be business as usual, it needs to be radically rebooted and less about process and more about delivery,” he said.

“Its programme for government needs to be more than just a deal between the five parties, and instead it should include the key partners in the economy such as business and the wider civic society.

“MLAs, you must listen to this genuine call for help on rates from independent retailers and hospitality businesses, and above all else, you must act.

“This is your opportunity as legislators to be change-makers and prove above all else that this place can deliver.”

Colin Neill of Hospitality Ulster said the business community has played its part and it is now the turn of MLAs.

Mr Neill said the business community has been “held back by legislation with outdated licensing laws” and “crippled by a business rates model that actually punishes hard work and investment”.

“We know the last few years here have been difficult and it hasn’t been business as usual in this place, but the Assembly now has a new deal, it’s a new decade with a new approach, and now it is time the hospitality industry had their new deal,” he said.

“We need a modern, simple, fair and effective legislative framework and taxation framework to allow us to prosper.”

In a joint statement with Stephen Kelly of Manufacturing NI, they said the “cycle of limited economic growth” must be broken to allow potential investment to flow into Northern Ireland.

“The high cost of doing business in Northern Ireland, such as business rates, must be immediately addressed by this Executive,” they said.

“It is a scandal that businesses in Northern Ireland pay the highest rates in the UK.”

They said Stormont must create an environment where business can thrive.

“Reducing the cost of doing business, reforming business rates, investing in our infrastructure, developing skills, increasing our productivity and finding innovative new ways of stimulating investment, revitalising our high streets and creating an economy, which can deliver for working families,” they said.

The heads of Stormont’s Economy Committee also spoke at the event.

Chairwoman Caoimhe Archibald welcomed the Vision 2030 document and pledged to engage with the group.

Deputy chairwoman Sinead McLaughlin said Trade NI is to be commended for developing the document.

“The Economy Committee has highlighted that there are only two years left of this sitting Assembly, and we must use that to make an impact,” she added.

Business leaders challenge MLAs to prove Stormont can deliver was last modified: February 4th, 2020 by John

Tags:
Chairwoman Caoimhe ArchibaldColin O'NeillDeputy chairwoman Sinead McLaughlinEAST DERRY MLAGLYN ROBERTSHospitality UlsterManufacturing NI and Retail NISDLP FOYLE MLASinn FeinTrade NI
ShareTweet
John

LEAVE A COMMENT

You may also like

Derry Labour Market Partnership celebrate success of...

7 hours ago

Savour the best of the North West...

8 hours ago

Bin collections and Recycling Centres operate as...

8 hours ago

Finance Minister visits sites of Derry Strabane...

9 hours ago

Durkan: We need to get serious about...

16 hours ago

Police appeal over children playing in derelict...

16 hours ago

Strabane success in promoting Vibrant Town in...

2 days ago

New baby monitor units arrive at Altnagelvin...

2 days ago

Build a future in construction on fully...

2 days ago

Durkan: Executive must act now or more...

2 days ago

Keep in touch

Facebook Twitter Email

Features

  • Sun, sea, spectacular views, historical charm and fabulous food. Tunisia of course

    April 5, 2024
  • Magical trip to see Santa from Belfast

    December 20, 2023
  • DD Travel Feature: Cork’s amazing The Montenotte Hotel

    April 18, 2023
  • Derry cancer survivor Noeleen McMorris reveals importance of awareness

    July 25, 2022
  • Competition! Win tickets to Northern Ireland v England Women’s Euro 2022 match

    June 17, 2022

Courts

  • Man charged to court over Derry drugs seizure

    July 6, 2025
  • Drink-driver charged to court over Derry collision

    July 5, 2025
  • Derry priest faces seven more child sex charges

    July 4, 2025
  • Man charged with possessing indecent images of children

    July 4, 2025
  • Two men in court after £1.2m cannabis find near border

    July 3, 2025

Donegal Daily

    Read More

    • News
    • Sport
    • Courts
    • Jobs
    • Features
    • Business
    • Politics

    Information

    • Contact Us
    • About
    • Advertise WIth Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    Derry Daily

    © 2025 Derry Daily. All rights reserved.


    Back To Top

    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy