Note: this publication may not reflect verbatim delivery by Minister Murphy.
Introduction
Thank you for inviting me to tonight’s awards, it’s great to be part of such a positive event.
The optimism here tonight is very much in keeping with the general mood of the business community.
And there is a lot to be positive about.
The Economy Brief has fresh leadership with a new Permanent Secretary in the department, and also a new Chief Executive and Chair to take forward the reform of Invest NI.
A new generation of innovators and leaders are stepping forward within the business community, bringing new ideas and approaches.
There is now a degree of certainty on our trading relationships, allowing us to take full advantage of the Windsor Framework.
And we enjoy considerable international goodwill, most notably with the appointment of Joe Kennedy as US Special Envoy.
The policy agenda
In order to take advantage of these opportunities it is important to provide a clear strategic focus.
As part of my Economic Vision I have identified four key objectives.
They are:
- increasing the number of Good Jobs
- promoting regional balance
- raising productivity and
- reducing carbon emissions.
I’ve also directed Invest NI to put a particular emphasis on local support for start-ups and SMEs that want to grow.
I’ve had a number of discussions with the Chief Executive, and last week I met with the Invest NI Board to discuss how the agency will put this policy into practice.
Plans are in development and I look forward to this change being delivered in the time ahead.
We’ve also been discussing how to use dual market access to help local companies build their exports.
In order to help us map out the opportunities, research will soon be published which identifies the type of products and sectors that benefit most from dual market access.
We take forward this work in a difficult financial context.
So we need to make the very best use of our resources we have, something which as business leaders you will be familiar with.
In allocating my budget I am putting a particular emphasis on skills, an issue that is repeatedly raised by businesses as a barrier to growth.
My department is also assisting the Education Minister in developing a new scheme to make childcare more affordable, something which makes it difficult for many parents, particularly mothers, to stay in the workforce.
Concluding remarks
I see the role of my department as enabling you to do what you do best.
Using your passion and creativity to start and run thriving businesses that create employment and prosperity.
Tonight recognises and celebrates your achievements.
So thank you to the Belfast Telegraph for organising this event.
I wish all nominees every success for this evening, and for your future business activities.
It is an exciting time.
You are at the forefront of writing a new, more prosperous chapter for our economy.
Have a great evening.