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18/10/2002
CBI publish ambitious business plan for province
The CBI has published an ambitious ten-year plan to make Northern Ireland one the foremost European regions in which to do business.
In their Business Manifesto published this week the CBI set out a plan that will shape the future of Northern Ireland as a business utopia.
The positive plan outlined in the manifesto proposes to address current business challenges, drive forward change, and achieve key goals. The targets include high levels of productivity, skills, and rewards from an enterprising and outward looking community that will improve the quality of life by offering equal opportunities and social cohesion.
Among the key drivers for these goals, according to the CBI, are strong political leadership, a competitive infrastructure, and skills for employability. Along with enterprise, innovation and creativity, plus a positive image of the province.
The plan identifies the most important asset as people and urges the development of an educational system that supports life-long learning.
However, the plan also highlights a number of challenges to building a competitive infrastructure. High on the list is reducing energy costs to business. These are described as "unacceptably high" with the industrial sector paying an additional premium of around £40m in the year to March for electricity when compared to the UK mainland.
The transport infrastructure, the planning system and waste management are all listed as major concerns to businesses.
The manifesto also called for effective telecommunications legislation to ensure that the growing demands from e-businesses for broadband were met.
CBI Northern Ireland Chairman Ian McMorris said: "The CBI has developed an ambitious strategy showing how Northern Ireland can position itself as the best place in Europe – not just as a great place to work and do business, but as a great place to live.
"This manifesto highlights the need for significant change in the way we must attract and do business if we are to unlock Northern Ireland's full potential."
Mr McMorris said that action must be taken to lower the cost base and maintain labour market flexibility in order to prepare for the future.
(SP)
In their Business Manifesto published this week the CBI set out a plan that will shape the future of Northern Ireland as a business utopia.
The positive plan outlined in the manifesto proposes to address current business challenges, drive forward change, and achieve key goals. The targets include high levels of productivity, skills, and rewards from an enterprising and outward looking community that will improve the quality of life by offering equal opportunities and social cohesion.
Among the key drivers for these goals, according to the CBI, are strong political leadership, a competitive infrastructure, and skills for employability. Along with enterprise, innovation and creativity, plus a positive image of the province.
The plan identifies the most important asset as people and urges the development of an educational system that supports life-long learning.
However, the plan also highlights a number of challenges to building a competitive infrastructure. High on the list is reducing energy costs to business. These are described as "unacceptably high" with the industrial sector paying an additional premium of around £40m in the year to March for electricity when compared to the UK mainland.
The transport infrastructure, the planning system and waste management are all listed as major concerns to businesses.
The manifesto also called for effective telecommunications legislation to ensure that the growing demands from e-businesses for broadband were met.
CBI Northern Ireland Chairman Ian McMorris said: "The CBI has developed an ambitious strategy showing how Northern Ireland can position itself as the best place in Europe – not just as a great place to work and do business, but as a great place to live.
"This manifesto highlights the need for significant change in the way we must attract and do business if we are to unlock Northern Ireland's full potential."
Mr McMorris said that action must be taken to lower the cost base and maintain labour market flexibility in order to prepare for the future.
(SP)
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Three-quarters of Northern Ireland business leaders say the collapse of the Good Friday Agreement would destroy business confidence. The unexpected result was part of a BBC Northern Ireland Business Day Poll survey which also revealed that if current levels of violence escalate, half of local employers would postpone planned investment or cut jobs.
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1,000 jobs to be created in Belfast
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Minister says 'partnership' is key to business success
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08 July 2009
All-Ireland Business Plan Launched
A cross-border partnership has launched a plan to work together on commerce and business development. A party of business leaders on both sides of the border put improving infrastructure, skills and innovation at the heart of their four-year action plan.
All-Ireland Business Plan Launched
A cross-border partnership has launched a plan to work together on commerce and business development. A party of business leaders on both sides of the border put improving infrastructure, skills and innovation at the heart of their four-year action plan.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
