Prominent figures including Economy Minister, Conor Murphy and the recently appointed Chief Executive of Invest NI, Kieran Donoghue will address a new flagship economic conference, designed to accelerate collaboration between Northern Ireland’s businesses and local policy makers.
Delivered by Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber), in partnership with headline sponsor Ulster Bank along with supporting sponsors BT and ESB, it is set to take place on Thursday 18 April in Galgorm Resort, Ballymena.
The half-day event will feature a blend of keynote speeches and panel sessions from industry leaders and subject-matter experts, all focused on overcoming challenges and accelerating Northern Ireland’s competitive advantage through partnership.
A bespoke event program has been designed around key focus areas including green growth, competitiveness, innovation and inclusivity.
Minister for the Economy, Conor Murphy MLA will address the conference, discussing the details of his recently published Economic Vision which focuses on pillars including good jobs, raising productivity, regional balance and net zero. Kieran Donoghue will share his vision for Invest NI and its plans to unlock economic growth across the region.
Panel sessions will be a key component of the event, with contributions from businesses in a range of high-growth sectors including Encirc, Wrightbus and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) among others.
Launching the event, Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive, NI Chamber said:
“With a new Executive in place, there is an immediate need for business leaders and policymakers to co-design solutions to an extensive list of urgent challenges and untapped opportunities. ‘Momentum’ is an opportunity for NI Chamber members to contribute to the conversation at an early stage – sharing the experiences, ideas, barriers and solutions which are most pertinent right now.
“We are extending an invitation to business leaders in all sectors to come, contribute and be part of a solutions focused, outward looking morning of collaboration and reciprocal learning.”
Nigel Walsh, Director of Commercial Banking, Ulster Bank added:
“Growth in the Northern Ireland private sector appears to be gathering momentum, with both output and new orders increasing at sharper rates last month, according to the Ulster Bank NI PMI. Companies are also more optimistic than they were, with the return of the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly providing a clear boost to confidence. This is reflected in our conversations with customers and we are encouraged by their optimism for the 12 months ahead. But there are also a wide range of challenges and headwinds. It is crucial that we see the business community and policy-makers work together to grasp the opportunities that the restoration of the institutions provides, and to support local economic growth by fostering innovation, boosting productivity, continuing to promote Northern Ireland on the world stage, and by availing of all of the potential that the digital world provides. Ulster Bank is well positioned to support businesses to achieve their ambitions through our local team’s expertise, our extensive product offering, and the backing of our parent NatWest Group. We are very pleased to support the NI Chamber’s Momentum conference to demonstrate our support for the local economy and to help provide a useful platform for important conversations and discussions to take place.”
The Momentum conference will take place on Thursday 18 April 2024 from 8.00am – 2.00pm in Galgorm Resort & Spa, Ballymena. It is free for NI Chamber members to attend and costs £75 + vat for non-members. To register visit the NI Chamber website.
Book your place at the event here
