69% of survey respondents believe prospects for the NI economy in 2021 are weak 38% believe prospects for their own business this year are weak 35% of members plan to reduce capital investment Just 19% are completely confident their business can survive in spite of changing policy interventions The latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) published […]

Commenting on the support measures for business announced by the Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) Chief Executive Ann McGregor, said: ‘Whilst this immediate cash flow support for business is welcome, there is however a fear that it will not be enough to save all firms, especially those across […]

Year ahead will see companies rethink tried and trusted business models, supply chains and market strategies says NI Chamber President Ian Henry.

Providing a response to the announcement that the UK and EU governments have agreed a Brexit trade deal, Ian Henry, President of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber); said: “After four long years of uncertainty and upheaval, businesses will welcome the news that the UK and EU have reached an agreement that will let companies plan for the future. “Our […]

COVID-19 and the measures designed to tackle it have had dramatic effects on how we live, work and do business across the globe. The pandemic has been a twin crisis, a health and an economic crisis inextricably rolled into one. 2020 has exposed every person and every business in Northern Ireland to that double jeopardy. […]

Commenting on the Chancellor’s Spending Review, Ann McGregor, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber), said: “The Chancellor’s spending review comes at a critical time, when the pandemic is far from over and many industries continue to suffer the effects of Coronavirus-related restrictions. The additional £900m that has been allocated […]

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unparalleled impact on societies across the world. Communities, enterprises and individuals have all been affected, some more than others, either personally, financially or both. Whilst today’s objective is to have an open, fully-functioning economy, we also need to support enterprises and employees to work safely in a new environment – alongside COVID-19 and Brexit – as we begin to plan the first steps to recovery in the months ahead.

Measures welcome however no amount of government support can compensate for an open, fully-functioning economy Commenting on the Chancellor’s update today, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Ian Henry said: “A further extension of the furlough scheme and more generous grants for the self-employed are important steps in protecting jobs over the coming […]

The intensified restrictions announced by the NI Executive last week are a real blow to many businesses who have put hard work and money into ensuring that they are COVID-secure.

The need for additional restrictions cannot be blamed on a lack of care by hardworking people in businesses, who have worked tirelessly to implement government guidance and create a safe environment for their employees, visitors and customers. Despite these conscientious efforts, many are now in the midst of a four week period of trading restrictions. At NI Chamber, we will fully support our colleagues in hospitality, retail and close contact services over these coming weeks.