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.

Most business men and women will have travelled through London’s Heathrow Airport at some stage during their career.

All island cooperation has been thrown into sharp focus recently as a result of the Brexit referendum and the detail of the negotiations which have followed.

The ‘2017 Connect Knowledge Economy Report’ was published last week and offered a glimpse into a future which simultaneously threw down a challenge while opening up the fascinating possibility of an economy built on and driven by automation and technology.

Clarity allows them to operate on a secure basis and in a stable environment which ultimately will result in economic and social prosperity.

NI Chamber members are very concerned for the economy and in terms of Brexit we need a deal that protects jobs not just for business but for the wider society.