Department for the Economy NI

Welcoming the latest economic output figures Department for the Economy NI Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: “I am pleased to note the positive figures in today’s composite economic index. Economic output in the north increased, while figures published by HMRC last week show our goods exports are also performing strongly, with an increase of 1.1% in 2024, compared to decreases in goods exports from each of England, Scotland and Wales in the same period. “I hope to see this strong performance continue as the measures under my Economic Vision are implemented.”

Department for the Economy NI Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has wished NI Apprentice of the Year Ebony Murtagh luck as she heads to Paris to compete for Team Ireland at the World Butchers’ Challenge. Ebony is a level 3 food management apprentice with Southern Regional College, on work placement with M&W Farm meats in Craigavon. The Minister said: “Ebony is an inspirational young woman who is challenging the stereotypical perceptions of butchery as a male-dominated profession. Through my Department’s apprenticeships programme, Ebony is studying her craft at her local further education college while also working at a leading butcher in the area – earning while she learns. Ebony’s flair and talent at butchery, coupled with her hard work and commitment, have not only earned her a place in Team Ireland at the World Butchers’ Challenge, but she has also been crowned Apprentice of the Year in this year’s NI Apprenticeship Awards. Ebony is an example and role model for any young apprentice and I wish her the very best for the future as she continues on her exciting professional learning journey.”

Department for the Economy NI Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald was guest speaker at today's Derry Chamber of Commerce Presidents Lunch. Speaking at the event the Minister said: “This is a region of great ambition and this is a very exciting time for the North-West. Work is progressing rapidly to expand the Magee Campus to 10,000 students. The new £15m North-West Regional College will provide modern education and training facilities to improve skills across the region. The A6 dualling scheme has improved connectivity, with investment in the City of Derry Airport also opening-up access to the North-West. The Derry and Strabane City Deal is set to deliver transformational change for this region, and for its people. “We are on the cusp of making significant, positive change in a region that, for too long, has been neglected.” Read more ➡️https://lnkd.in/eQUaEJMz

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald today met Germany’s Ambassador to the UK Miguel Berger in Belfast. The meeting follows the Minister’s recent successful visit to Berlin to further promote economic links with Germany and the wider European market. The Minister said: "We discussed areas of mutual interest to our respective economies. "Germany is a valued market for us, and we look forward to growing and strengthening these bonds. "I took the opportunity to discuss the importance of our unique trading position, including the all-island economy, and our shared objective to minimise barriers to trade."

Opening today's Tourism Northern Ireland 'Meet The Buyer' event in the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn, Minister Caoimhe Archibald said: “My goal is that tourism expenditure from our overnight visitors will exceed £2 billion by 2035. Key events such as Meet The Buyer play a significant role in helping us achieve this by showing operators from across the world what we have to offer. “From our excellent accommodation portfolio, our golf courses, our hospitality, food and drink offerings to our stunning landscapes, visitor attractions, and culture and heritage - we are a must see destination. Meet The Buyer helps showcase this to the world and ensure the north is on the itinerary of visitors from across the world.”

The Northern Ireland Composite Economic Index (NICEI) Quarter 4 2024 was published today by the Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency (NISRA). ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e675tqvC

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald met with industry leaders, experts and practitioners to explore strategies and best practices for enhancing productivity and fostering innovation within the modern workplace. The Minister said: “Productivity is a fundamental driver of overall levels of prosperity. If we are to take our economy to the next level and improve the quality of jobs, there needs to be a stronger emphasis on productivity. We are developing a supportive policy environment in which to increase overall productivity through an agreed focus on this as part of our Programme for Government. Invest Northern Ireland

Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald has attended the opening of Alchemy Technology Services new offices at Ebrington Plaza in Derry, where the company employees 150 people. The Minister said: “Alchemy’s move to Ebrington Plaza is a significant milestone, reinforcing the North West as a thriving hub for financial services, innovation and investment. Ensuring that prosperity is spread across all parts of the north is a key priority for my Department, and this expansion is a testament to Derry’s strong talent base and business potential. By creating high-value jobs and making further investment, Alchemy is making a lasting contribution to the local economy. I look forward to seeing the company continue to grow.” Read more https://lnkd.in/eJnH-rmg Invest Northern Ireland Derry City & Strabane District Council

Department for the Economy NI Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has today addressed over 600 delegates at UNI Europa - a European trade union federation for 7 million workers, representing more than 250 national trade unions in 50 countries. The focus of the conference is on reinforcing collective bargaining power and enabling workers, through their trade unions, to be involved in decisions that are key to the livelihood of their families. The Minister said: “A key measure of an economy’s success is the extent to which it provides workers and their families with a decent income and good quality of life. “Our recent consultation on a new Employment Bill sought views on simplifying rules on balloting for industrial action, better trade union access to workplaces, and the creation of a new collective bargaining framework. “The reason for these proposals is that workforces that are listened to and respected will be more productive, and this in turn leads to better pay.” Link to speech ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eipNA5Wy 📷 Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald is pictured with Peter Hellberg – President of UNI Europa, and president of Unionen, the largest trade union in Sweden, Pilar Rato – 1st Vice president of UNI Europa, from CCOO Servicios, the services union from one of the two largest trade union confederations in Spain, and Oliver Roethig, UNI Europa Regional Secretary, from Germany, based in Brussels.

The winners at this year’s NI Apprenticeship Awards have been announced: Apprentice of the Year Award Ebony Murtagh, employed at M&W Meats, studying at Southern Regional College Higher Level Apprentice of the Year Award Ryan McCall, employed at M&R Property Group, studying at Queen's University Belfast Public Sector Apprentice of the Year Award Sarah Welsh, employed at Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, studying at Belfast Metropolitan College Small to Medium Enterprise Award JMG Systems Ltd in partnership with South West College Large Employer Award Citi in partnership with Ulster University Mentor Award Kevin McCann, Severfield Diversity and Inclusion Award The Hair Lounge Public Sector Employer Award Derry City & Strabane District Council in partnership with North West Regional College (NWRC) #NIAA2025 Read more: https://lnkd.in/eBpziQA8