NI Chamber President Cat McCusker has called on business, policy makers and the third sector to work collaboratively and creatively to create a globally competitive and sustainable economy.
Addressing almost 1,100 business leaders at the membership organisation’s annual President’s Banquet in ICC Belfast, she advocated for the adoption of AI in public sector transformation and stressed why getting Northern Ireland ‘back on track’ with its climate change targets could unlock a wall of green capital and investment.
Cat, who is Regional Market Leader for PwC in Northern Ireland, outlined how a new workforce development agency could ensure the region has the skills needed in a digital economy and called for solutions to ‘the burden of unaffordable childcare.’
The theme for the evening was ‘beyond imagination’ and the Chamber President used the occasion to challenge business and political leaders in the room to “reflect on how we can each use our imaginations constructively to identify opportunities that others may overlook, challenge the status quo and raise our collective ambition.”
Reflecting on a year which saw the devolved institutions restored she called for greater partnership between the public, private and third sectors, saying: “We now have a draft Programme for Government, a budget and a legislative programme. Now, we need to build on that. Through collaboration, co-design and co-delivery we have so much potential to deliver for our economy and most importantly, for our people.”
Discussing the challenges facing business in Northern Ireland, including those presented by the Autumn Budget she said: “I have heard from many of our members that the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget has thrown obstacles into the path of businesses and that the acceleration of the tax burden adds to the already high cost of doing business, leaving some employers with tough choices if they are to remain competitive and grow.
“Confidence is not where it should be. We need to pick up the pace on many issues to unlock growth including wastewater, planning, skills, childcare and digital connectivity.”
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To address the issues at play, she stressed the need for a “long-term economic plan which not only recognises the stark realities but with ambition addresses them head on, supporting our businesses to invest, innovate, export and succeed.”
The event was sponsored by NI Chamber’s Communications Partner BT, along with supporting sponsors ABL Group, Barclays, Mattioli Woods and Tughans, as well as drinks reception sponsor Vanrath, Media Partner, Bauer Media Group and drinks partner, Diageo.
Speaking at the event, Paul Murnaghan, Regional Director for Business, BT in Northern Ireland added: “BT is delighted to once again support the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce’s President’s Banquet, a flagship event in the NI business calendar.
"Now in our 18th year of collaboration and partnership, we congratulate the Chamber who work tirelessly throughout the year for the benefit of all NI businesses large and small. The Banquet presents a great opportunity to network, celebrate successes and also to come together and explore opportunities and debate challenges facing businesses and the NI economy.”
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