AN alliance of business organisations in the north, originally established in the 1990s around the time of the Good Friday Agreement, has reformed and it calling on politicians to “place the economy and skills at the top of their agenda”.
The Business Alliance is, a partnership between the Confederation of British Industry, Centre for Competitiveness, Institute of Directors and NI Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
It engage with civic and public society to promote the economy and encourage conversations on how to improve business conditions for the benefit of society, and has worked closely with politicians in previous administrations to help create the conditions for sustainable economic growth.
In a joint statement, its leaders said: “As we enter the new decade along with a restored Executive, we have come together to support Northern Ireland’s policy makers with navigating the challenges and seizing the opportunities of a post-Brexit era. We will provide a strong business voice to help our economy achieve its full potential.
“There are significant opportunities ahead for the business community and politicians to collaborate on matters that will have a deep and long-lasting impact on the local economy and living standards.
“The commitments made in New Decade, New Approach document are welcome, and the onus is on all of us to support the newly reformed Executive as it grapples with a decision-making backlog of more than three years, a major gap in funding and uncertainties stemming from Brexit.
“We need to be realistic about what is achievable in the short-term, but by prioritising the economy and in particular a new skills agenda, we will be laying the foundations for long-term progress.
“For too long, this region has suffered as a result of the brain drain that has seen so many of our most talented young people leave to pursue studies and careers elsewhere – and never return. This must be reversed but it will take the combined will of the business community, academia, and politicians.
“A robust and strong economy will help us pay for better health, better education and better social inclusion for the benefit of all.”
Leaders of the organisations that form the Business Alliance include Adrian Doran (chair) and Angela McGowan (director) of CBI NI, Stephen Kingon (chair) and Bob Barbour (chief executive) of the Centre for Competitiveness; Gordon Milligan (chair) and Kirsty McManus (director) of IoD NI; and Ian Henry (president) and Ann McGregor (chief executive) of the NI Chamber.
