With two-thirds of NI Chamber member businesses deeply worried that there aren’t enough sufficiently skilled people to fill vacancies, the scale of the challenge to address skills shortages is becoming increasingly apparent.

For most businesses, the 31 October ‘flextension’ agreed by the European Council will be preferable to deadlines that are repeatedly moved forward at the last possible moment. But their frustration with this seemingly endless political process is palpable.

There is no doubt that businesses, and people in general, are tired and frustrated after three years of constant Brexit drama. Our future is no clearer today than it was weeks, even months ago – and that is unacceptable.

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.