Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with British Airways, today (3 January 2014) launched ‘Minister on the Move’ – a new initiative that will see Simon Hamilton MLA, Minister of Finance and Personnel meet with a wide range of businesses across Northern Ireland.

Four of the Province’s top companies will host a visit from the Minister during 2014, with firms in that region invited to come along and share their views on the economy directly with the Minister.

The ‘Minister on the Move’ initiative begins on 22 January 2014 with an event hosted by Belfast–based Thales UK, a major electronic systems company acting in areas such as defence, aerospace, security and safety, information technology and transportation.

Future events have also been confirmed with the Henry Group in Magherafelt, Glen Dimplex in Newry and Terex in Dungannon.

Launching the initiative, Simon Hamilton MLA Minister of Finance and Personnel, said:
“I want to thank the Chamber for putting this initiative together and British Airways for supporting it. I know that many businesses have been through some tough times recently and I want to make sure that, as the economy recovers, we are all ready to make the most of the new opportunities that are emerging.

“These events will allow me to hear directly from local business about their views on what is needed to make this happen, to share with them some views on how the public sector can respond innovatively, and most importantly to explore if there are new and better ways of working together from which we can all benefit.”

Ann McGregor MBE, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, said:
“NI Chamber of Commerce is delighted that the Finance Minister has agreed to participate in the ‘Minister on the Move’ initiative.

“Chambers of Commerce are committed to helping businesses grow and we see ‘Minister on the Move’ as being an important and mutually beneficial initiative for both business and government. It will create a forum for the open exchange of views leading to a better understanding of the importance of public policy and the economic environment in which we operate. We all have the shared aim of growing the Northern Ireland economy and an initiative such as this one allows us to keep in regular contact along the way.”

Brenda Morgan, British Airways Partnership Manager for Northern Ireland, said:
“British Airways is delighted to sponsor the Chamber of Commerce ‘Minister on the Move’ initiative. As the leading airline in Northern Ireland, we are committed to supporting the growth of the local economy through our Belfast to London Heathrow service, which offers a vital artery for the flow of business and commerce both into and out of Belfast. This route also provides our passengers with access to British Airways’ worldwide network of almost 130 destinations worldwide from London Heathrow, helping to maximise the growth and potential of companies across Northern Ireland to both import and export markets.”

The format of each event will involve an address from the Minister, followed by an open forum for delegates to share their views on the economy directly with the Minister and to find out what the NI Executive can do to help grow the private sector. Guests will also hear the success story of the host company, designed to inspire business growth, followed by a guided tour of the company’s facilities.

You can register for the Minister on the Move event with Thales UK at: http://northernirelandchamber.com/event/minister-on-the-move/

– Ends –

Notes to Editor:
‘Minister on the Move’ will see the Finance Minister visit:

– 22 January 2014 – Thales UK, Belfast
– 19 March 2014 – Henry Group, Magherafelt
– 18 June 2014 – Glen Dimplex, Newry
– 17 September 2014 – Terex, Dungannon

Caption:
Pictured L-R are: Brenda Morgan (British Airways); Minister Simon Hamilton MLA and Ann McGregor (NI Chamber of Commerce).

For further information please contact:
Christopher Morrow
Communications & Policy Manager
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
Tel: 02890 244113 / 07808789163
Email: christopher.morrow@northernirelandchamber.com