VIEW FROM THE CHAIR Ian Henry, President, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry Many businesses depend on trade with the home nations more than any other partner. According to the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), Great Britain remains the “most significant single market” for external sales for businesses in Northern Ireland, accounting […]

Immediate impact of COVID-19 much greater than aftermath of the 2008/09 financial crash 77% of firms have already furloughed employees and 12% have made staff redundant 1 in 2 members (52%) intend to reduce staff levels post COVID-19 Almost 1 in 5 imply that the business might not survive NI Chamber provides recommendations to government […]

NI Chamber is delighted to share this letter from Her Majesty The Queen. The Queen praises the efforts of the British Chambers of Commerce network throughout COVID-19 and offers her support to businesses as they return to work. Read the letter in full at👇 http://www.northernirelandchamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Letter-from-HM-The-Queen.pdf  

By Ian Henry, President, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry. As businesses continue to deal with the fallout from COVID-19, arguably the biggest economic shock on record, they also face another mammoth task over the next six months – the ending of the Brexit transition period. With many unknowns in terms of agreeing, understanding […]

Commenting on the Chancellor’s announcement on additional changes that will be made to the Job Retention Scheme, Ann McGregor, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber), said: “The Chancellor has struck a balance that will help many firms bring furloughed staff back to work flexibly over the coming months. “The […]

Economy Minister Diane Dodds and Permanent Secretary Mike Brennan addressed over 175 members of the business community at an online briefing hosted by NI Chamber and SSE Airtricity / SSE Renewables on 20 May 2020. The briefing focused on immediate support available to businesses and longer term economic recovery. Thank you to all who joined […]

The Sinn Fein Executive team met with members of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry at an online roundtable on 20 May 2020. Our executive engagement is ongoing and this was an opportunity for a group of business leaders to share experiences of support to date and discuss interventions needed for recovery. Joining Deputy […]

Commenting on the launch of a temporary government backed guarantee to support the provision of trade credit insurance for businesses, Ann McGregor, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber), said: “Providing businesses with the confidence to continue trading is vital to seeing us through the COVID-19 crisis. The withdrawal or […]

Commenting on the Chancellor’s announcement that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furlough) will be extended to October, Ann McGregor, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber), commented: “The extension of the Job Retention Scheme will come as a huge help and a huge relief for businesses – especially for those […]