Influence Archives

A time for ‘calm heads and careful assessment’ following tariff announcements

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has outlined five asks of the UK and Irish government, following President Trump’s announcements on US tariffs last night.

Spring Statement: Reaction from NI Chamber

“After 9 in 10 of our members found themselves under pressure to raise prices because of the Autumn Budget, it is welcome that there are no further tax rises in today’s Spring Statement.”

Gaining ‘Momentum’ on economic growth

NI Chamber’s flagship economic conference, Momentum will return to Galgorm Resort, Ballymena on Thursday 3 April 2025.

Northern Ireland is a place of transformation, ambition and opportunity – Little-Pengelly

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has said economic ties between Northern Ireland and the U.S. are vital if we are to realise our full potential as a place to live, work and invest in.

Uncovering innovation: Ministers lead business mission to North Carolina

A delegation of NI Chamber members is in Raleigh, North Carolina today (Monday) as part of a business mission designed to enhance collaboration between Northern Ireland and the US State.

First Minister and deputy First Minister to lead US business delegation

Northern Ireland’s First Minister and deputy First Minister will lead NI Chamber’s business delegation to North Carolina next week.

Business Energy Taskforce to facilitate the green transition

“As a group, we are committed to working pragmatically and swiftly to support the next steps to be taken on the green transition. Business has a crucial role to play in shaping our energy landscape, and this taskforce is a powerful demonstration of our collective commitment to progress.”

New ministers urged to address NI’s wastewater funding crisis

Finance and Infrastructure Ministers today (Wednesday), to discuss solutions to the ‘critical and complex challenge’ of funding Northern Ireland’s ageing wastewater infrastructure.

Chambers spearhead all Island connectivity and economic growth

NI Chamber has come together with Dublin and Cork Chamber as part of a tri-region partnership focused on fostering deeper cooperation and connectivity.

Time to get down to business

In her New Year message, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce President Caitroina McCusker has outlined why policymakers need to “get down to business on delivering for the economy.”

NI Chamber welcomes the draft NI Budget

Welcoming the draft NI Budget, Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive, NI Chamber said:

“Businesses will welcome the publication of the draft NI budget for 2025 / 26. After a difficult UK Budget, we hope it will help deliver greater certainty for firms here.”

Sparking imagination: Best-selling author to headline NI Chamber banquet

Best-selling author and comedy actor David Walliams will be the star guest at NI Chamber’s 2024 President’s Banquet. More than 1,000 businesspeople are set to attend the premier black-tie event in ICC Belfast on Thursday 21 November.

Autumn Budget: Burden on businesses ‘alarming’

Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry comments on the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget Statement.

Statement from NI Chamber ahead of Autumn Budget

Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive at NI Chamber, has made a statement ahead of the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget.

Gillian McAuley appointed as Non-Executive Director at British Chambers of Commerce

Gillian McAuley, Chief People Officer at Eakin Healthcare and Past President at Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) has been appointed to the board of British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

NI Chamber says Good Jobs Bill must boost competitive proposition

NI Chamber’s Chief Executive, Suzanne Wylie has said that the Economy Minister’s ‘Good Jobs’ Employment Rights Bill will be “one…

Businesses invited to learn from Almac’s approach to innovation

Almac Group’s Executive Director, Niall Harkin is set to discuss the pharmaceutical giant’s approach to innovation with NI Chamber members on Wednesday 23 October.

Future Workforce Summit to address critical skills challenges

The most comprehensive event of its kind, NI Chamber’s Future Workforce Summit will see more than twenty subject matter experts share their ideas, experience and insight into issues like ‘Good Jobs’, developing future talent, green skills, the adoption of AI and the development of a healthy workforce.

Unleashing potential: NI Chamber’s message to the Westminster Government

We brought a delegation of business leaders to address conference delegates, hosting a fringe event which focused on the Westminster-based policy actions that we believe will help Northern Ireland’s economy to grow.

Labour Conference hears why Northern Ireland is ‘central’ to growth plans

The 2024 Labour Party conference has heard why unleashing Northern Ireland’s unlocked potential is key to accelerating economic growth and enabling the UK to reach its net zero targets.

NI Chamber comment on draft Programme for Government

Following publication of the draft Programme for Government, Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive at Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry…

Murphy outlines plan to turn the dial on economic performance

Economy Minister Conor Murphy today launched his Department’s Three-Year Forward Look and 2024/25 Business Plan. The Minister launched the publication…

Time to take action on the planning system, Commission told

The Interim Regional Planning Commission has heard why swift action across all parts of the planning system is necessary if Northern Ireland’s planning system is to become an enabler of economic growth.

Minister for Infrastructure John O’Dowd meets with new connectivity stakeholder group

The Minister for Infrastructure John O’Dowd MLA today met with a new connectivity stakeholder group, bringing together key stakeholders across…

NI business report ‘steady’ performance in Q2 with some signs of growth

The latest research from NI Chamber and BDO NI indicates that business performance in Northern Ireland was steady in Q2…

‘Welcome’ cut in interest rates announced by Bank of England

Commenting on today’s decision by the Bank of England to drop interest rates to 5%, Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive, NI…

NI Chamber responds to King’s Speech

Commenting on the King’s Speech, Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive, NI Chamber said: “We welcome the strong focus on growth in…

The work starts now

Last week saw Sir Keir Starmer make his first visit to Northern Ireland as the new Prime Minister. He received…

Business is ‘ready to get to work’ with MPs says Chamber CEO

Following the General Election result, Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive at Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) says…

Caitroina McCusker is new NI Chamber President

Caitroina (Cat) McCusker, the Regional Market Leader for PwC in Northern Ireland, is the new President of Northern Ireland Chamber…

NI Chamber publishes business manifesto ahead of UK General Election

Ahead of polling day in the UK General Election, today (Thursday 30 May) Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce & Industry…

Enter the 2024 NI Chamber Business Awards

NI Chamber is inviting member businesses across Northern Ireland to enter the 2024 NI Chamber Business Awards before Friday 7…

NI Chamber joins JAM Card movement to enhance diversity and inclusion amongst business community

Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) is the latest business leader to join the JAM Card movement,…

Chambers of Commerce lead collaborate efforts on ‘economic game changers’

Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) has hosted a delegation of businesses leaders from Cork and Dublin,…

Belfast International Airport is NI Chamber Patron

Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) has announced that Belfast International Airport has joined its growing list…

Conference hears why partnership is key to a ‘prosperous, productive and inclusive economy’

More than 300 businesspeople have joined policymakers including Economy Minister Conor Murphy and the new Chief Executive of Invest NI,…

NI Chamber welcomes Finance Minister’s Reval26 announcement

NI Chamber welcomes the Finance Minister’s announcement of the next non-domestic rates revaluation Reval26. This is consistent with a long…

Momentum conference to inspire collaboration for business growth

Prominent figures including Economy Minister, Conor Murphy and the recently appointed Chief Executive of Invest NI, Kieran Donoghue will address…

Galgorm Collection is new NI Chamber Patron

Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) has announced that luxury hospitality group Galgorm Collection is the latest…

NI Chamber confirms new strategic alliance in USA

On Monday 11 March 2024, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) signed its first international Memorandum of…

Spring Budget Statement ‘doesn’t sufficiently tackle the issues head on’ says NI Chamber

Commenting on the Chancellor’s Spring Budget Statement, Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber)…

NI Chamber responds to Economy Minister’s Economic Vision

Speaking after the Economy Minister delivered his Economic Vision to the Northern Ireland Assembly, Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland…

Business lessons on the breakfast menu

Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) and Bank of Ireland have launched their 2024 Business Breakfast Series,…

Welcoming the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive, Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive, NI Chamber said:

“The restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive is very welcome news for business. We hope it marks the return of…

US Special Envoy Joe Kennedy III addresses NI Chamber members

U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Joe Kennedy III addressed a group of NI Chamber members in…

NI Chamber welcomes news that Executive may be restored imminently

NI Chamber’s President, Cathal Geoghegan and Chief Executive, Suzanne Wylie have welcomed news that the Northern Ireland Executive may be…

Important information about moving goods to GB from Irish Ports from 31 January

Background In line with information published in the Border Target Operating Model, certain goods will face full customs controls when…

Non-Domestic Rates Consultation

As members may be aware, the Department of Finance currently has a number of live consultations on revenue raising following…

NI Chamber publishes proposals to reform the planning system

NI Chamber has published its recommendations for the reform of the region’s planning system, which it says could accelerate Northern…

NI Chamber President: 2024 is the time to reset and prioritise progress

The President of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) has called on Northern Ireland’s political leaders…

Statement from NI Chamber

Commenting on today’s meeting between the Secretary of State and Northern Ireland’s political party leaders, Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive, Northern…

Business Alliance and the Public Sector Chairs’ Forum call for level playing field for Northern Ireland

Speaking today (23 November 2023) the Northern Ireland Business Alliance joined together with the Public Sector Chairs’ Forum (PSCF) to…

NI Chamber responds to Autumn Statement

Commenting on the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) said: …

NI Chamber says Autumn Statement must include targeted action on childcare

Speaking ahead of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive, NI Chamber said: “The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement must be…

NI Chamber President: Time for a restored Executive to take tough decisions

The President of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) has stressed the case for a restored, fully…

Public Affairs Update: Future Workforce Summit

NI Chamber hosted its inaugural Future Workforce Summit at the iconic Titanic Belfast on Thursday 26 October. Over 200 passionate…

NI Chamber to host inaugural Workforce Summit

Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) is set to host its first Future Workforce Summit on Thursday…

NI Chamber responds to Action Plan following review of Invest NI

Following publication of an Action Plan in response to the Independent Review of Invest NI, Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive, Northern…

Public Affairs Update – September

A Skilled and Inclusive Workforce Future Workforce Summit NI Chamber is pleased to announce that the inaugural Future Workforce Summit…

NI Business Alliance welcomes focus on investment

Speaking about the Northern Ireland Investment Summit, members of the NI Business Alliance have welcomed the focus on investment, saying:…

NI Chamber responds to Border Target Operating Model implementation delay

Statement 29 August 2023 Commenting on the announcement that the timeline for implementation of the Border Target Operating Model, which…

Windsor Framework – UK Trader Scheme Registration Reminder

What is the UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS)? As members will be aware, UKIMS will be the new authorisation to…

Public Affairs Update – July

Restoration of an Executive Since taking up the role in June, NI Chamber President, Cathal Geogeghan has wasted no time…

NI Chamber President reiterates calls for ‘political leadership to sustain growth and attract investment’

The President of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber), Cathal Geoghegan has said there is still time…

Statement from NI Chamber

Following today’s funding announcement from Young Enterprise NI, Cathal Geoghegan, President, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber)…

Comment from NI Chamber on Employment Survey Results

Commenting on the publication of Quarterly Employment Survey results published today (13 June 2023) by NISRA, Christopher Morrow, Acting Chief…

Statement on the Department for the Economy’s budget allocation

Commenting on the Department for the Economy’s budget allocation, Ann McGregor, Chief Executive, NI Chamber said: “Confirmation of the budget…

Statement from NI Chamber

Following today’s written statement by Northern Ireland Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris, Ann McGregor, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Chamber of…

Positive perceptions and a strong international reputation

Last week, I had the enormous privilege of leading an international showcase, which saw NI Chamber and Dublin Chamber visit…

NI Chamber promotes advantage and opportunity in US Capital

A joint delegation from Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) and Dublin Chamber has arrived in Washington…

Statement on the Spring Budget

Speaking from Washington D.C, where she is leading a delegation visiting the US capital to promote economic opportunities in Northern…

NI Chamber profiles ‘Advantage’ in Toronto

A joint delegation from Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) and Dublin Chamber have concluded a two…

International showcase to promote ‘Advantage’ in USA and Canada

Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) has announced details of an international showcase, which will see it…

Statement from the Northern Ireland Business Brexit Working Group

“As a collaboration of 14 industry bodies, we commend the considerable efforts made by the EU and the UK Government…

Valuing social enterprise

Across Northern Ireland, social enterprises are positively contributing to life and work in a huge variety of innovative ways. The…

Public Affairs Update

December 2022 – January 2023 It was a busy end to 2022 and start of 2023 for the Policy and…

Business performance remains steady, but weak

Most businesses say they are currently trading well (31%) or reasonably (49%) 55% of NI Chamber members believe their business…

New Year message from NI Chamber President

2023: A significant milestone The message from investors is clear; 2023 is the year we must turn targets into action…

Comment on veterinary medicines extension

Following confirmation that there will be an extension to the grace period for veterinary medicines until 31 December 2025, Stuart…

NI businesses report increasing international trade

Businesses in Northern Ireland are reporting a strong appetite for international trade, according to the findings of a recent survey…

Statement from NI Chamber

Commenting on today’s statement from the Northern Ireland Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris, Ann McGregor, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Chamber…

Energy Forum to examine the year ahead

NI Chamber’s next Energy Forum will examine the outlook for 2023, discussing future trends including electric vehicles and how the…

NI Chamber comments on Autumn Statement

Commenting on the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, Ann McGregor, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) said:…

Statement following Secretary of State’s confirmation that there will not be an election in December

Following confirmation from the Secretary of State that there will not be an election in December, Gillian McAuley, President, Northern…

Have your say: International Trade Survey

Today we are opening our International Trade Survey in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland. Political change at Westminster means that…

Public Affairs Update

October has been another busy month for the Public Affairs team with the timeframe for local parties to form an…

A pivotal moment for the NI economy: Statement from the President and Vice-President

In a joint statement, the President and Vice-President of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) have said:…

New PM needs to deliver stability and certainty

Following Rishi Sunak MP’s election as the new leader of the Conservative Party, Ann McGregor, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Chamber…

NI Chamber responds to the Chancellor’s statement

Responding to the Chancellor’s statement, Ann McGregor, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber), said:…

NI Chamber comments on mini-budget

Commenting on the Chancellor’s mini-budget, Ann McGregor, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry said: “Businesses will welcome…

Julian Smith CBE MP to address NI Chamber’s new Public Affairs Forum

Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) has launched a new Public Affairs forum, designed to help member…

Comment following appointment of new Secretary of State for NI

Commenting after the appointment of a new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Ann McGregor, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Chamber…

Statement: NI Chamber responds to interest rate rises

Responding to the Bank of England’s decision to raise interest rates, Gillian McAuley, President, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and…

NI Chamber Public Affairs Update

It has been a busy month on the Public Affairs front with the Northern Ireland Protocol dominating much of the…

Response to publication of NI Protocol bill

Commenting on the publication of the Northern Ireland Protocol bill, Stuart Anderson, Head of Public Affairs, Northern Ireland Chamber of…