Finance Minister John O’Dowd has told Belfast Chamber members that he remains committed to engaging directly with business leaders, listening to the challenges they face and understanding the opportunities ahead.
Minister O’Dowd was speaking at a business lunch hosted by Belfast Chamber in partnership with telecoms and IT company eir evo, which was held at the Titanic Hotel and attended by over 100 guests. It provided an exclusive opportunity for members to hear directly from, and engage with, Minister O’Dowd just a fortnight after his announcement of the draft multi-year budget.
Speaking at the lunch, the Minister said agreeing a multi-year budget would provide a pathway to support growth, delivers better outcomes and provides greater long-term certainty for the economy.
Finance Minister John O’Dowd said:
“The Belfast Chamber event allowed me the opportunity to engage with senior business leaders on my recently published proposals for a draft multi-year Budget.
“Setting a multi-year budget is one of the biggest decisions we will take during this Assembly mandate.
“While significant challenges remain, it is essential that we grasp the opportunity to set a multi-year budget to enable strategic investment that delivers lasting benefits for our economy, our environment and our society.
“I want colleagues, citizens, business and communities to bring forward suggestions so that we can find solutions that make the best possible use of the limited resources available. Together, we can develop practical solutions that drive growth and deliver better outcomes for everyone.”
Senior business leaders engaged in an open and informed session with the Minister on Northern Ireland’s key financial priorities, the current state of public finances, the challenges faced by today’s government and opportunities to strengthen collaboration between departmental bodies and the business community in Belfast.
Clare Guinness, Chief Executive Officer at Belfast Chamber, said:
“The Business Lunch with Finance Minister John O’Dowd really was opportune timing, coming so soon after the draft multi-year budget was announced. The event provided an invaluable platform for Belfast Chamber members to gain first-hand insights into Northern Ireland’s financial direction and engage in an open discussion with the Minister.
“As the voice for business in Belfast, strengthening collaboration between government and the local business community is an essential pillar of Belfast Chamber’s strategy to connect companies with the decision-makers driving the city’s economic success.
“As Belfast continues to grow, it is vital that the business community remains fully informed on key issues, and events like this provide a direct line to those shaping government policy.”
Philip O’Meara, Regional Director, eir evo NI, said:
“Today’s Belfast Chamber event aligns strongly with our commitment to Northern Ireland, fostering collaboration and sharing insight from global best practice to support local, long-term growth. The potential positive impact of digital transformation on public finances here is significant. Through innovation and best practice, a future-fit transformation has the power to reduce long-term operating costs, improve efficiency, and help public services do more with limited resources.
“Importantly, a coordinated multi-year budget gives public bodies the foresight and confidence to invest upfront in digital solutions that generate savings and better outcomes that are long-lasting. At eir business, we are excited by the opportunities of working with government, business and the public sector, to support digital transformation, create investment and contribute to a more prosperous and connected society.”
To find out more about the services at Belfast Chamber, visit: www.belfastchamber.com