1 in 3 companies are performing better than before the pandemic 58% of businesses have seen costs rise by 6% or more 61% are expecting to raise prices in the next 3 months 69% expect to increase wages in the next 6 months 80% are experiencing recruitment difficulties Download a copy of the full report HERE. […]

Following the EU’s proposals announced yesterday, Paul Murnaghan, President of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber), said:  “It is positive that both sides acknowledge the problems associated with the NI Protocol and are willing to move position. Yesterday’s proposals will go some way towards reducing the complexity of the protocol and the burdens […]

Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) has announced the appointment of two new board members. Peter Russell, Managing Director of CANCOM Ireland and Professor Mark Gillan, COO at Artemis Technologies will contribute to the leadership and strategic direction of the membership and business support organisation. Peter Russell joined CANCOM Ireland as Managing […]

At the end of June I was honoured to be elected as President of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a role which carries a great deal of responsibility at a critical time for business and the economy. And while trading conditions undoubtedly remain challenging, after only a few weeks in the role, I […]

The Northern Ireland Business Alliance has welcomed a commitment by the Northern Ireland Executive to set up an independent Infrastructure Commission that will drive forward the region’s post-COVID recovery. The commitment was revealed in the Executive’s action strategy to stimulate the economy through green growth included in its consolidated COVID-19 recovery plan ‘Building Forward’. It […]

Business confidence improved strongly in Q2 2021 More businesses are now making plans to invest, particularly manufacturers 67% believe that NI’s status post EU Exit presents opportunities for the region 34% saw an increase in domestic (UK) sales in Q2 2021 62% of businesses are trying to recruit 62% of manufacturers and 57% of services […]

The government’s ability to move at speed, particularly in making key strategic planning decisions, will be key to the success of Northern Ireland’s future Energy Strategy the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) has warned. Responding to the Department for the Economy’s Energy Strategy consultation, which closes on 2 July, the organisation has also stressed the […]

As businesses across all sectors open fully, Northern Ireland’s economy is showing signs of recovery and there are real grounds for optimism as it returns to growth. NI Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey and numerous other indicators, including Ulster University Economic Policy Centre’s Summer Outlook show that confidence around turnover and profitability is improving, with many […]

The Department for the Economy is consulting on a new Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland – available at https://consultations.nidirect.gov.uk/dfe/energy-strategy-for-northern-ireland-consultation-1/consultation/ This is focused on policy options to achieve a decarbonised energy future for the region. This has extremely important implications for how we do business going forward including a requirement to look to more energy efficient […]