The planning approval system in Northern Ireland needs to be “predictable” and “move at the speed of business” if the region is to maximise its potential for attracting investment, US Ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens told guests at Belfast Chamber’s American Business Celebration dinner.
Hosted in partnership with the US Consulate and supported by Queen’s University Belfast, Arthur Cox NI, Invest Northern Ireland, and 57 Stars, the event brought business, political, and academic leaders together at Riddel Hall to explore the next chapter of transatlantic collaboration, innovation, and shared prosperity.
The keynote address was delivered by US Ambassador Warren Stephens, who later joined renowned broadcaster Jim Fitzpatrick for a fireside chat exploring the future of US-Northern Ireland relations.
Speaking at the event, US Ambassador to the UK Warren Stephens said:
“As in the rest of the UK, energy prices here are too high to run an efficient and competitive industrialised economy. That is inhibiting US investment and harming both businesses and taxpayers.
“While the United States is a longstanding friend of Northern Ireland and an advocate of its devolved government – your achievements in recent years have been nothing short of remarkable – for the Northern Ireland Executive to deliver a globally competitive economy, from pharma to critical minerals, approvals must be quicker. Bureaucracy must not become a barrier to progress.”
Mr Stephens added:
“You cannot expect a US company to make a major investment here if they cannot be certain when they will get an answer from planning authorities. Those systems need to be predictable, and to move at the speed of business.”
The first of two panel sessions focused on American investment and featured Lynsey Mallon, Managing Partner and Head of Corporate and Commercial at Arthur Cox NI, Mark Regan, CEO of Kingsbridge Healthcare Group, Bernie McGuire, Managing Director at 57 Stars, and Dr Andrew Woods, CEO and Co-Founder of Catagen.
The panel discussed recent success stories, including Catagen’s new US contract, 57 Stars’ investment in Kingsbridge Healthcare, and the continued role of Northern Ireland firms in driving innovation and sustainable growth across sectors.
The second panel featured Joan Burney Keatings, Chief Executive of Cinemagic, Phil Ervine, Founding Director of Taste & Tour, and Simon Callow CBE, actor and Queen’s University Belfast graduate, who also opened the evening with a moving Seamus Heaney recital. Their conversation explored the cultural and social dimensions of working across the Atlantic, including charitable and creative collaborations.
Clare Guinness, Chief Executive of Belfast Chamber, commented:
“The American Business Celebration dinner has established itself as one of the highlights of the Belfast Chamber calendar, serving as a reminder of how vital the US-Northern Ireland partnership is to our shared success. It highlights not just the value of inward investment, but the incredible achievements of local firms who are making their mark in the United States.
“As we look to the future, our focus must be on building resilience and opportunity through collaboration. Lasting prosperity will come from partnership, leadership, and a collective commitment to a confident, globally connected Northern Ireland.”
Attendees at the event included senior representatives from Allstate, Catagen, FinTrU, KPMG, Lagan Specialist Group and Liberty IT, along with other leading firms, reflecting the calibre and influence of Northern Ireland’s transatlantic business community.
Lynsey Mallon, Managing Partner at Arthur Cox NI, commented:
“Arthur Cox is delighted to once again support Belfast Chamber’s American Business Event, which captures the collaborative spirit that defines Northern Ireland’s relationship with the US.
“With many business deals having complex, multi-jurisdictional elements, at Arthur Cox we leverage expertise across key markets, combining legal understanding with an appreciation of the cultural factors that can influence outcomes.
“As Northern Ireland strengthens its position as a destination for international investment, we have first-hand experience of how meaningful partnerships can deliver economic growth and social impact. This event provides an important forum to strengthen those relationships and explore how we can continue to progress together.”
Anne Beggs, Chief Commercial Officer at Invest NI, spoke about the enduring strength of transatlantic trade and investment:
“Northern Ireland’s connection with the United States remains one of our greatest economic assets. US firms continue to bring investment and opportunity to this region, while Northern Ireland companies are making their mark in American markets.
“Our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and partnership will continue to underpin our economic success.”
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Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast, said:
"We are delighted to partner with Belfast Chamber on this event that celebrates the enduring transatlantic partnership between Northern Ireland and the United States; a relationship built on shared values, mutual prosperity, and transformative collaboration.
“As we mark Queen's University's180th anniversary, we are reminded that our greatest achievements come through partnership and a global outlook.
“With major research projects with leading US institutions; nearly 400 American students enriching our campus; and significant investments from companies like Boeing and Alteryx, we're not just honouring what has been accomplished, we're building the foundation for future opportunities that will benefit our economies, our communities, and generations to come."
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