Northern Ireland’s business community, farming sector, trade unions and civic society were all united in their support of the Prime Minister’s draft withdrawal agreement.

I am delighted to take on the role of NI Chamber President during what is one of the most economically sensitive times in our recent history.

There is no doubt that the draft Withdrawal Agreement is a welcome step forward for businesses in Northern Ireland and it is clearly better than a no deal scenario.

NI Chamber member businesses have been clear from the beginning that whatever agreement is reached with the EU, it must result in no ‘hard’ border with the Republic of Ireland – or in the Irish Sea.

In the same week that the new Glider buses curved into action on the streets of Belfast… there was also movement by the Secretary of State.

Labour productivity is 17% below the UK average which in itself is also in the bottom league across the EU member states. The issue has been the subject of significant concern to policy makers in Northern Ireland and attempts have been made to address it through a number of strategies.

As a small island economy – and as the only part of the UK with a land border with another part of the EU (which does not have an air passenger duty) – it is extremely important that Northern Ireland looks at all options to remain competitive and enhance air connectivity.

Last week an unenviable milestone was reached – Northern Ireland passed the 500 days mark without a Government in place, of any kind – and unfortunately there is nothing on the political horizon to suggest that we will see a Government in place in the next 500 days.

The Agency’s Northern Ireland Composite Economic Index (NICEI), which outlines how the economy has performed in quarter up to the end of 2017, reveals the region’s total output grew in that period compared to the previous quarter, albeit by less than half of one percent, but that is mirrored by the other GB regions and cuts across all sectors.